Thanksgiving

Once again the family Thanksgiving was held at our house. What a fun time we had! I love getting in the kitchen and cooking, especially for a crowd :) The fun began on Wednesday, when Debbie and Bill came over. They stayed with us through Saturday so Claire could enjoy some quality Grammy and Grandaddy time. Thursday was the big day, followed by shopping all day Friday, and a girls' day out, complete with tea, on Saturday. I love the holidays and my family!!

Watching the parade with Grammy

Lee and I preparing the turkey for frying...

Claire enjoying the fruits of our labor!

Daddy enjoyed his meal.....and so did 'Lamby'

(You know I had to put it on here)

Claire and Grammy at the Sugarplums Tea Room

Claire was more interested in Grammy's camera than anything!

What a fancy grilled cheese and goldfish!!

Mama and Gretchen

The beautiful table for tea

Too much sports...

You can tell she is her father's daughter....

Kids ii Nite Out and Yogurt

This weekend was full of fun! On Saturday, while Lee was watching the Dawgs whoop up on Auburn, I enjoyed a night out with Gretchen. I love any excuse to get dressed up! It was the 40th anniversary of her company, 'Kids II'. The big celebration was held at Opera in Atlanta. We had a blast! The food was yummy and the atmosphere was great.

All dressed up and ready to go!

Claire wanted in on the picture, too!

On another exciting note, Claire has begun to feed herself with a spoon. Now, I use the term 'feed' loosely, as I'm not sure exactly how much food actually makes it into her stomach. But nonetheless, she tries very hard and has so much fun doing it! I captured a little of the fun she had with yogurt on Sunday. She's becoming so independent!!

Halloween!

This year Claire dressed up as a puppy. We thought it appropriate since she is so good at barking :) Since she's still so young, we decided to only visit a few houses on our street. So, we suited up and headed out in the rain to trick-or-treat. It was a lot of fun! Claire really enjoyed walking up and down the street and looking in the neighbors' houses. She only got a few pieces of candy, but since she doesn't eat it, that was plenty! Once the rain really started falling, we packed it in and headed indoors. I think she was ready to be rid of her hot, furry puppy suit. I can't wait until next year when she is really able to enjoy this tradition. I wonder what she'll be...hmmmmmm...

Getting ready to go

Putting on the collar

Taking a few practice laps in her costume around the dining room

About to take the leap off the driveway!

Visiting next door

Up the street we go!

When she walked, her tail wagged!!

NLWC Family Tailgate Party

Tonight was the New Life Worship Center "Family Tailgate Party". It was a blast! We enjoyed the music, the atmosphere, and most of all, the hayride!! Claire was a hit in her new 'GOOSE' jersey (thank you, Mary Ellen!). She loved running around and dancing. What fun!!

Dressed and ready to go!!

Daddy holding her tight during the hayride

Our Bulldog Family

Our Little Goose

Random Claire-ness!

I just thought you might enjoy a glimpse into what Claire is up to around the house these days...

Sporting her new robe...thanks Pam!

On her way to a meeting...

"Helping" mom fold the laundry....the underwear usually ends up on her head!

With mom and dad at the Apple Festival in Ellijay

All dressed up for church

She just finished singing into the microphone :)

Itsy Bitsy Spider with Madison

Friends

The Mechwart Family

We've had the privilege of seeing some of our dearest friends recently. We are very blessed with special people in our lives and it is truly an exciting time when we are able to visit with them! Last weekend we were invited over to the Mechwarts' house for a cookout. Not only were we going to see the Mechwart family, the Woods were coming with us. AND, as a super treat, the Goffs were stopping by on their way back from Florida! Candace (Jones) Goff is one of my dearest and best friends. We lived together for 4 years while in college and managed to remain close :) I wish I was able to see her more often, but at least we got this time to catch up. Her two beautiful girls, Brooklyn and Sydney, were fast friends with Claire. The 3 of them played very well together. We picked up right where we left off and talked almost non-stop the entire night. I miss her so badly!! While the wives entertained the little ones and watched some TV, the boys braved the frigid weather and went to the Cumming fair. Once they returned, the fun was over--HA! I mean, the night had to come to a close. We all said goodbyes with promises of keeping in touch more often, and headed in various directions toward home. What a great evening. Thank you, Lord, for wonderful friends!

Claire was raring to go!!

Brooklyn helping Claire with her drink

The wives holding down the fort

Claire and Sydney playing together