Santa is a great guy!

We went to go see Santa in the middle of the day on Friday, December 14.

Last year, at 2, Jude was TERRIFIED of Santa. When he saw Santa, he just yelled at him "I want a pig!" Apparently yelling insured that creepy Santa kept a comfortable distance. Well, what a difference a year makes! This year there was no apprehension.  Jude kept saying "I love Santa. He's a great guy." haha! My little 3 year old has quite the vocab. 

My brother, sister-n-law, and cousin Sophie all met us at Carriage Crossing for some photo ops. Milo, of course, was not afraid at all.  Milo is happy as long as he is being held. Doesn't care who. Just please hold me...now. He was cracking me up just sitting in Santa's lap all cozy.  My poor niece Sophie (who is only 12 days older than Mi-mi) had a more normal baby reaction and screamed her head off.  

Jude told Santa he wanted drums and a yellow drill. I love that my sweet boy only asked for 2 things. I know that will likely change in the future, so I am reveling in the fact that he enjoys the simple things in life.  No long lists. He knows exactly what he wants. Hence, the "yellow" drill. (and what a shopping adventure that was :/ )

Here's some pics. I hope you find them as cute as I do. 

Milo is looking at Sophie like "Get it together cuz"

Aren't my boys cute in their outfits. Sidenote- Check out how tall Santa is...who knew?

Thankful

Our family has an annual tradition of spending every Thanksgiving with my hubbie's side of the family. Since everyone lives far away from each other (Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee),  we all meet somewhere and spend the holiday together.  We eat, we drink, we play rumi and we laugh. This year we invited everyone to spend Thanksgiving week at our house. There were 6 adults and 9 kids up in here people!

The week started off with my dedicated husband, driving 12 hours to Florida on Saturday, picking up the fantastic four, and driving 12 hours back. This way everyone could get settled before the cousins arrived. We spent Sunday night as a family with the fantastic four all cuddling sweet baby Milo.

Sweet Big Brothers

Aunt Carie, Uncle Mark, Garrett, Paitten and Kylie all arrived from their seriously long road trip on Monday. And the fun immediately began! The kids always pick up right where they left off each year, as if no time has passed at all. Grandpa and Granny Kay's flight arrived on Tuesday and Kelly and Carie were there to greet them.

On Wednesday, we went to the Trolley Stop for lunch (Yummy!) and then took a trolley ride around Memphis.  Kelly and I don't ride the trolley...umm...ever. Needless to say, we had a little trouble navigating. Always an adventure.

Kylie and Kam with "The King" at the Trolley Stop. Kam adores her cousin Kylie so much!

My green eyed boys

The boys riding the Trolley. Aren't they handsome!

Cousin Pic!

Jude was thrilled to be taking more pics. ha!

Another Cousin Pic as we waited (and waited and waited) for the trolley

Thanksgiving dinner was off the charts delicious. We brined a 24 pound turkey.  We also had honey ham, broccoli casserole, corn souffle, sweet potato casserole, rolls, pumpkin pie and cupcakes. You salivating yet?  My brother, sister in law, and baby Sophie all came to eat with the crew. And Poppies and Jana stopped by too. We had a FULL house, but had plenty of delicious food.

Post Thanksgiving meal nap with Grandpa. Full bellies make for good naps.

Friday we scored tickets to the Grizzles vs. Lakers game and took all the "big cousins" to the game.  The highlight of the game (for me) was a Justin Timerlake and Jessica Biel sighting. Forget Kobie, I love-love-love me some J.T.  It was an action packed game and the Grizz picked up a W!(106-98) Grit Grind Grizz!

First born tall boys! Bryce is 12 and 5'10' and Garrett is 15 and 6'2". They are both such great examples to the little cousins. 

Garrett, Paitten, Kylie, Rece and Bryce taking in the Fed Ex Forum

On Saturday, we all said our goodbyes, love yous and see you next year. I hate that part.

What a blessing it was to have everyone in our home sharing stories and laughing. I am so thankful that my husband has brought all these wonderful people into my life thru our marriage. I am thankful that my house is full of siblings that adore each other. I am thankful that my children and stepchildren have cousins who are their first best friends.

Love to you and yours- Anna