Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you each are spending this day feeling truly grateful to be alive. I am thankful for my amazing family and the sweetest friends a girl could ever want.  My boys bless me daily and I am forever thankful for them.

And also: today is about some grub.  As you are feasting on whatever it is you feast on, may you look around and realize how truly blessed you are! Tis the season, y'all!

Also the season for WINE consumption....

 

Book Report!

I am overdue for a book report (haha-love a good pun...and a bad one...)

First book I read, I looooooooved! OMG, love love love.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.  Oh this book was so good.  It was powerful and hard to read, but I couldn't put it down.  I loved the characters and the way it was written.  I am a sucker for any WWII stuff and this whole book just sucked me in.  HUGE winner to me! It is not a light, easy read, but woah, it was good.

Second book I read, I was going for a lighter, easier read after the first one.  Eligible was just that.

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it! I have actually picked up a second book by her too and hope to get started on it soon.  I really liked the characters and the story line.  Y'all know I love be some Bachelor and it was very loosely based on the show.  There were several twists that I didn't see coming-- I had a hard time putting this one down.

The last book, I listened too.  I have said time and time and time again how much I love Elin Hilderbrand books.  Well.  Let me just say that I am sooooo glad I didn't read this one first.  I probably wouldn't have read another one again.

The Love Season

So it wasn't awful at all-- but I just didn't love it.  It tells a story from the past while a story from the present is unfolding.  But then, as the story from the past finishes, the book ends...and I felt like a bunch of story lines were just left dangling there.  Don't ever read the book while hungry, because there is a LOT of talk about food.   A LOT.  And that's not bad-- but maybe I am just not a foodie? I don't know.  While this is probably my least favorite of Elin Hilderbrand's books, I still wouldn't say it was bad...if that makes sense?

Okay, so that's it! Only three books to report! I know we have a BUSY season upon us...I hope I am still able to steal some time away to read.  I have already downloaded a new audio book for the trip to the beach for Thanksgiving and I also have one from the library to take with me.


Have y'all read any of these books? Did you like/dislike? Any suggestions for me??

 

Weekend Update!

This year is almost over! OMG. It is flying by! I feel like I am cranking out these weekend update posts every other day-- the weeks are flying by. 

We had a very low key weekend planned-- actually, we had nothing planned at all the entire weekend (minus church on Sunday).  Eddie was out of town and the rest of us were all just really tired. 

 Friday, I did popup (which nearly killed me for whatever reason), then played tennis, then walked a loop around my parents' neighborhood (which is around 2.5 miles).  By the time I picked the kids up from school, my legs were aching! I was flat worn out. 

We had a very chill night that ended with me in the bath tub with a book- ahhhhh....

Saturday, we hung out at the house all morning and then Cal had basketball practice at 12:15.  Our super sweet neighbor asked the three of us to go to the football game with her and we were super excited to go!

Funny enough-- it was hot on Saturday....like around 80 hot.  But the game was at 3:30, so I knew cooler temps would be coming.  I was having a mega hot flash as I was getting dressed and I could not bring myself to put on a sweater.  
I threw on a 3/4 sleeve shirt that is paper thin and a fur vest thing.  The temps dropped immediately and the wind picked up and it was darn right chilly! We still had so so so much fun! We LOVE this family so much. 

 Cal wore shorts and was freezing- he curled up on my lap and it warmed us both up!

 We went into the blue zone to warm up a little bit-- these four had the biggest wrestle mania you have ever seen.  People were gathering around to watch it.  We kept telling them to stop, but then as soon as one would stop, another would tackle another one and it would all start over again.  hahahaha

After the game, the neighbors had field access and took us all down on the field! Andy was pumped to see his best buddy Lee there!

The wind was CRAZY on the field!!! Didn't stop our crazies!

 My dates! I had a blast with these two... they can work me, but oh how much fun we have together....

Eddie's parents came in Saturday night, but we were all sound asleep when they got there.  They were just stopping in before heading to the beach for Thanksgiving-- and they stayed because Cal and Andy were singing in church Sunday morning!

 We got there early and they wore little choir robes.....

 And there they are singing in front of a packed church! It was really sweet to watch them up there.  I think they were nervous, but it didn't show!

 Once they were done, they were all smiles and Andy said it "really was not scary up there at all."

The rest of the day was spent lunching, playing, tackling and playing more.  My kind of weekend!!!

 

New York, New York!

Every year, my mom and I take a trip together.  We look forward to this trip all year long! There is no one telling us what to do when-- we can eat when we want to eat, we can shop where and when we want to shop (and for however long we want!)... it is really, really GREAT. 



My mom and I are super close-- we talk on the phone constantly and we tell each other everything.  I am so thankful to have a mother like this, and I really value our time together.  It makes this trip even more special!

We left last Sunday morning, super early.  We had to take a selfie on the airplane going-- I had a great sun spot on my chin.... this made us laugh way too hard.  

We landed and dropped off our bags and were on our way! We always do the same routine when we go to the city... it is totally not everyone's cup of tea, but it definitely is for us! We went to Macy's and had a great time.  Sent dad a selfie from the holiday shop-- we do every year!

 We had a great lunch and then continued to shop. ... we decided it was time for a bubbly break so we went to this little bar that is by the shoes and ordered two glasses of champagne.... they were $18 a glass so we were only going to have one....

 But when I went to pay, the total was $10.... for BOTH glasses...! This made us super excited. 

 So we took full advantage! It sure was a HAPPY hour!

 Things got a little messy the rest of the night (see above picture).  Not sure we have ever laughed so hard.  Holy smokes, we were crying we were laughing so hard. 

We had entirely too much fun with this pillow-- can't even start to explain it, but omg we were dying.  

Don't we look happy?!

 So we made reservations both nights at some fun restaurants that promised excellent food and atmosphere.... on the first night, we had been up since 3 am, and had a whole lot of champagne,, so we opted out of the reservations and instead hit up the food truck right outside of our hotel....yummmmm.... apparently it is famous-- and there is always a huge line there....it is so so so good. 

 Monday morning we were up and out-- but not real early.... not that I was complaining!!! We checked on the Rockefeller tree-- it's big!

 And we had to stop in the lego store so I could take some pics for Andy.  All legos!

We did some shopping and then we had afternoon tea at the plaza! Such a treat! It is a total indulgence, I know.  But we love it!

Henri Bendel did not disappoint.... omg, it was extra great this time.  

We hit up another happy hour, canceled dinner reservations again and continued shopping.  What do you think of the hat?? Oh, and there is wine in that cup.....

An elevator selfie!!! Love my momma....

 Sorry for all the picture overload- clearly I got "carried away...."!!!!! ha!

We flew home Tuesday night, and of course got delayed coming home.  Ugh.  We were supposed to leave at 5 and we didn't leave until after 10.  Eddie was out of town so I had a sweet babysitter at home covering for me and then Eddie's sister went over to relieve her. 

Even being delayed couldn't spoil our fun!!! It was such a fun time with my mom, making memories!


 

Rock the Vote.

There's no need to discuss political views on this little blog. Love is love is love and my opinion is we all need to love each other a whole lot more. Allllll of us. We need to love black people, white people, gay people, straight people, Hispanic people, people who voted for her, people who voted for him: we need to love PEOPLE more. And there's my rant!

My sweet new neighborhood rarely lets a reason to drink go by, so there was an election party last week as the results were rolling in. #ofcoursetherewas

We've got a few kids around these parts.... and this was only a portion of the neighborhood. Soooo many kiddos! I love it!!

The parents are all pretty fun too...

It was gorgeous night for a crazy election! Truly didn't see those results coming. And while many are disappointed (and super vocal about it on some social media-- I am working on spreading some love. We alllll need more love!

A weekend at the beach

With all the chaos going on, we took a MUCH needed trip to the coast this past weekend.  And it was wonderful.  It was actually beyond wonderful! I love fall at the beach.  The sun shines super bright and the sky is a crazy shade of blue.  The air is cool, but it feels amazing to be outside.  Plus, there is something about the salty air- no matter what time of year- that is good for the soul, I swear!

The boys and I packed up and headed down Friday afternoon. 

 The boys were actually really good in the car-- we've come a LONG way!!! We got to Richlands and the boys had to pee...and I decided to reward good behavior with some ice cream treats from McDonalds #classy. 
Andy got a regular ice cream cone....

 Cal got his dipped in chocolate.  I would like to point out that this was not a great idea.  He is the world's messiest eater.  This white shirt (which was already filthy) got disgusting pretty much immediately.  But everyone was happy, so we rolled with it!

 The gorgeous views as we went over the bridge--- ahhhhhh-- I say this all the time, but I swear, I can feel my stress level decreasing as I cross over. 

We got there and unloaded and Eddie wasn't back yet, so the boys and I took the dogs on a walk.  We cruised over to look at the sound-- just gorgeous!

 Even Hank is happier when we cross the bridge!!!



So, right before this next picture, Cal wiped out on his bike-- like big time.  I had both dogs going crazy, pulling me in different directions and I turned around as he fell and really and truly, I thought his leg was broken.  The way he was laying under his bike with his leg all bent at a funny angle, and the scream he let out-- my stomach flipped and I immediately started thinking of what to do with the dogs so that I could carry him home.  Yeah, he popped right up and wiggled out his leg and goes "well that was awkward." and was fine.  Y'all.  These boys...........

 Hank started smiling in the car on the way there, and pretty much smiled the entire weekend.  How happy is he?! I love him so much... he just makes me happy. 

 Bruce was happy too and wanted a picture with the boys-- they agreed.  Pretty cute bunch if you ask me!!!

 We headed back to the house to clean up and eat dinner-- I was downstairs working and felt like someone was watching me.....

Saturday morning, Andy wanted to work on some legos-- we had the laziest morning and it was glorious! Everyone did what they wanted to do! I loved it.  

We headed over the beach for a few hours and it was beyond beautiful out there.  The sky was such a bright blue and the water was crystal--- clearly I can go on and on about it.  

 Once again Hank was in his element!

 Both boys were also extremely happy out there-- the water was cool, but not too bad at all.  We all waded in it while playing. 

We stayed on the beach for a few hours and then went over to play at my parents house for a bit.  

 We watched the UNC game and then built a fire outside and played some football. 

 Sunday morning, we were once again lazy.  And once again it was great.  Hank found a sun spot and Cal cozied up with him. 

 Then Andy wanted in on the action. 

 I took the dogs and kids on a long walk/bike ride.  I love this street this time of year-- totally empty and beautiful. 

We went out in the boat Sunday morning-- hard to believe this was the view: breath taking! 

 We went fishing at a sweet little spot and didn't catch a thing, but listened to some great music and soaked in some warm sunshine!

and then my phone died......grrrrrr..... ever since I did the update on my phone, it dies constantly.  I was at 38% battery life and it just turned off.  It is beyond annoying.  So I was phone free the rest of the day.... we went to lunch in Beaufort then came home and cleaned the dogs and the house and loaded the cars to head home.

Hank was beyond exhausted.  He got to sit on the seat next to Andy.... although that didn't last long- he likes to be on the floor just behind me.  

 We were home and boys were asleep quickly-- I showered and had a little pup who needed a little attention.  He also fell asleep quickly...in this position! Isn't he intimidating?!

We had SUCH a great weekend down there.  It is never ever just us there-- there's always other family members down, which we love! But this was really nice to go and just focus on us four.  We all needed it!