Beach

After we celebrated Thanksgiving we were able to spend the rest of the weekend at the beach.  We really love the Wilmington area, and it was nice to get to have a little mini-vacation before heading back to LA.  Ryan and I even squeezed in a lunch date and a night at the movies.  It was great not paying a babysitter! 

Playing with Nana and Pop

Breakfast with Granny Deb

James did NOT like the sand this time.  Wouldn't hardly take a step when you put him on it!

My mom and dad took JT for a stroll all the way to the end of the island.  Funny thing is that he then decided he didn't want to ride back so Dad had to carry him all the way to the hotel.  There is no way I could have done that as much as he weighs!

Waiting to see the Christmas tree downtown. However it took so long we had to leave for our dinner reservation. Maybe next time... 

Playing with Greer

Ft Fisher aquarium

Ryan was excited about this random Megladon exhibit... yes it is a little bit dorky but I still love him. :)

We ran out of clean clothes by the end of the trip so we got out the new Christmas pjs

Time to leave for the airport

Holding on during the train ride. FYI, always put the stroller lock on when you are on one of those things!!!

On the way home the adventures in flying continued. Got to the airport- flight was delayed.  Walking onto first flight and James threw up all over himself and myself.  Nothing like smelling that for hours.  2nd flight a leaky diaper erupted.  At this point the only clothes I had left for him in our carry-on was a pair of pajamas so he wore those with his tennis shoes.  I on the other hand continued with the throw up- urine combo smell until we reached our house. Finally, home sweet home. :)

Fun Times

It was great to get to spend a week in NC before Ryan flew in to meet us. James did not want to go to sleep on this trip which made it a little more stressful than other times, but we survived and had a wonderful visit.  

Without a doubt this has been the most challenging age to fly with so far.  How do you keep an active 1 year old (who has a very limited attention span) entertained and in our little tiny space for 3 flights?  I don't know but if you have any suggestions let me know. :)  Add to it that two out of three flights were delayed and JT and I got to spend a nice 12+ hours traveling alone that first day.  We also managed to spill an entire glass of water on the person beside us and we lost the top to a sippy cup on the plane.  I had tried to plan ahead- I had new toys, individually wrapped, extra snacks, etc. but on the final flight I had to pull out my secret weapon: Nerds.  Do you know how often my child eats real candy? Never.  But let me tell you, picking up those little Nerds one at a time lasted almost the entire trip from Charlotte to Greenville and when they were gone we played with the empty box.  I will never travel without them again!!! And as a bonus James was able to work on his fine motor skills, lol.

Hanging out at DFW

Here are just a few of the fun things we did that week. 

First basketball game

What could be greater than watching all those balls?

Checking out the fireplace

Football game (we didn't make it long at any of these sporting events)

First time going to the nursery at St. James

Played outside in the leaves

Little turkey

Jorja and Aida came to play

James did not like me holding Aida!

What is going on in that clothes basket?

Uncle David came for the night

I got to go with Shannon to get her wedding makeup preview. Doesn't she look beautiful?

The lovely bride-to-be

Dinner with the bible study girls in Wilson

 James also got to spend a really fun day with his Nana and Pop....and I just realized I don't have any pictures of it!  I will have to get copies when we are there for Christmas, but I know he had a blast. And I think he got to try out one of his presents a little early. :)

Thankful

Thankful for so many blessings this year, more than I could ever list,  but here are just a few.

Thankful for our families back "home" who have supported us in numerous ways.  Thankful that we have remained close even though we live so far away

Thankful for friendships, something I will never ever take for granted again.  

Thankful for Mother's Day Out- my sanity saver each week.  I will forever be grateful that Ryan insisted that we should put James in it, though it is a financial stretch for us, and that I shouldn't feel guilty for doing it.  As much as I love staying at home with James those few hours a week to myself are precious! 

Thankful for time here as a family of three and for the lessons we are being taught during this season of life. 

Thankful for a husband who loves me even when I'm hard to love, who supports me, encourages me, laughs with me, and who lives his life as a wonderful example for our son

Thankful for our child who challenges us in so many ways and enriches our lives more than we ever thought possible.  How can you learn so much from someone so little?  Thankful for the laughter and entertainment James brings to our home and for the unconditional love I never knew I could give or feel until I became a parent.   

Above all I'm thankful to the One who blessed me with these and so many more, Jesus Christ.  

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 117:2  

Thanksgiving was especially special this year because we were able to spend it with both of our families.  Ryan flew into Wilmington to meet James and I along with the rest of the crew, and we had a wonderful dinner all together.  

Checking on that turkey

The food was AWESOME

James sure thought it was good!

The newlyweds :)

Greer was so sweet to host dinner for all of us at her house

JT's number one thing he is thankful for: the ball

I just had to include this- JT's craft from school. Definitely a keeper!