We have been gone since last Saturday to spend this time of Thanks with our family. While we did that we got a little rest and relaxation, did some shopping, recharged our batteries, played board games, stayed in comfy clothes most all day, slept in - you name it, we did it! Chris and I have such crazy lives sometimes that it is nice to get away with no agenda and just spend time together. This, was one of those times.
We started off the trip in Huntsville with my family. This was the first time that all of us have "gone away" together for the first time since I can remember(maybe the last time we were 9 or so?) and it was a blast. This is also the first time that we have celebrated a Thanksgiving together somewhere other than the 'boro. As you can imagine, my 4 year old neice Cora Beth thought this was the best thing ever that all of her favorite people were under one roof and she took full advantage of having us all with her. We spent Saturday helping mom hang pictures and decorate her house since they just recently moved in and she wanted our help. While we did this the guys watched football(all teams won - UK, Bama, and Arkansas!) and played poker. In the picture is Chris with Cora Beth, who wanted to join her Uncle for a little bit, and Rachel's boyfriend Matt, his first family event(he survived!).
The girls took a break for a bit and had some fun jumping in the leaf pile outside Scotty made for us! 
After this (which felt like it went on for forever since CB wanted to run and jump EVERY time!) we had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. I had the idea of making fun hats and brought the supplies to do so, and since Rach didn't feel like decorating she entertained CB by making them together. It is amazing what you will do for a 4 year old...which is a total excuse, because she could care less about the hats, we just thought they were too fun! 
After Mom's house we went(kicking and screaming of course, haha)to the beach house. The drive was cut down since we left from Alabama so we got there late Sunday night after visiting with Rachel, Matt, Mom, and Scotty until that evening. So our time at the beach officially started Monday - ahhhh....we slept in and then started our trip at the Donut Hole and a trip to Seaside and SanDestin. They had a great tree at Seaside so of course I took advantage of the photo op :)
It was nice to be able to walk around and spend time with each other. It really makes the Holiday time more valuable when you aren't running around like crazy trying to get things done. When you make yourself sit back and breathe some air, have a laugh, take time at lunch, etc. it is priceless. One of the things that we like to do when we have the chance is to play games. We definitely enjoyed some time doing this at the beach. We played Sequence, Mille Bournes, and Scrabble Slam - getting a little competitive at times!
Thursday AND Friday we enjoyed a wonderful dinner that Shelly cooked. I helped a little - made the Stove Top and set the table :) We got to have 2 dinners because it was just the 4 of us Thursday and then Michael and Shannon came in that night, so we did it again Friday. No complaints here! On Friday we also took a little time out for photos. Haha, this family had no idea what they were getting into when I became a part of it! I just love to get pictures to remember all of these wonderful times we spend together. Especially because one day it won't be so easy to get these pictures when there are babies running around!!
Rest in Him!...for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest...
-Hebrews 4:9-11 NIV
Mip loves the windows open. I don't think she loves anything more, however, than the minute a skirt is laid under that Christmas tree. We can always find her at Christmastime under one of our trees!
