Thanksgiving Journey

The A Team's Thanksgiving Journey started when we picked up "Flowering Meadow" from school on Tuesday, the Kindergartners in her school looked adorable and Alyssa was another of the cutest blond hair, blue-eyed, Native Americans running around James Island! We spent the evening in Saluda at Nana and Vuvva's which always includes feeding the goats in the morning . . .



Alyssa petting Chocolate Chip

Alyssa petting Nana :)

Then we decided to have lunch at the Beacon, we thought Alyssa would enjoy the experience and trip back through time. She just thought it was loud!

Drew's Heart Attack on a Plate, so much for eating healthy this holiday season!

In Morganton, we feasted again and were honored to have Flowering Meadow join us and say the blessing for our Noon meal.

Flowering Meadow "testing" the desserts.

Our feast was delicious and called for all of us to take a nap shortly afterwards. Once we were all awake (does this kid ever sleep?) we helped Eya and Poppy decorate their Christmas Tree.

Beautiful photography, Drew.

Lots of time for sweet hugs.

On Friday, Alyssa was Chief in Charge of constructing the Gingerbread House.

Is that green frosting on her lip?

On Saturday we said goodbye to the Ellisons, including Tipper, and headed to Granny's.

Sweetheart Alyssa picked Granny some flowers. they were dandelions but the only thing blooming close by, it's still the thought that counts, right?

Granny is ready for Christmas! We had such a nice journey and though we traveled quite a few miles it was wonderful to get to see all the parents and grandparents. We are thankful indeed for such sweet times!

STAYcation July-2009

We are back from STAYcation 2009 in Merry Mo-town! We had a wonderful visit with family, friends, cousins, swing sets, pools, McDonald's, Poppy's Garden, boiled peanuts and the homemade ice cream churn! Above Holt and Alyssa play with Uncle Brad in the pool. Such FUN! AA is working on her photography skills and she took this photo.

The Messenheimers came over for a swim and homemade ice cream. Alyssa loved swimming with Molly. Kelly and I have been friends since junior high school.

Holt is such a sweet boy - here he is giving his daddy a "Hand Hug" - I had to get one too before we left for Charleston.

We went to visit the Jacumins and Eisens in Rutherford College - Donna and I have known each other since we were Freshman roommates together at UNC. Now her and Joseph have three girls - Julia, Elena and Leia. Alyssa had a great time swimming with Elena and Joseph.

Many trips were made to the swing set and many mosquito bites acquired!

Can't forget Tipper - she didn't seem like such a good dog until Jovi showed up!

Jovi drinking from the pool - no wonder there were so many "accidents!"

Alyssa and Marley had fun playing together and here Alyssa is showing how good she can eat (this never happens at home!).

Our second visit to a McDonald's where Alyssa had a blast playing on the indoor playground. We attempted a quick visit with Uncle Chevy and Granny on the way home to Charleston but the noise level was something else - Chick-Fil-A next time!

And last but certainly not least - a photo collage thanks to Drew's photography and Eya's beautiful flowers. Just a small sample of the beauty that surrounded us. Our STAYcation was wonderful - thank you Eya and Poppy for hosting us and having such a fantastic place to visit! We love you and hope to come back again very soon!

2nd Honeymoon - Gatlinburg, TN

My Spring Break at school allowed Drew and I to do something we had not done since Alyssa was born, five years ago, take a marvelous vacation together! We chose Gatlinburg, TN due to the proximity of the kid sitters and because Drew had never been there before. It turned out to be just the right mix of nature and city life. Look out, Eya and Poppy, we might make this an annual thing!

Our cabin, "Love Nest" included an outdoor hot tub and an indoor jacuzzi, both were enjoyed thoroughly along with the gorgeous Smoky Mountain view.

Morning view, nice back porch with rockers.

A Baptist Church in Cades Cove. There was a Baptist church on every corner in Gatlinburg. One of Drew's coworkers who had suggested we see Cades Cove said we would be "so far in the back woods that even the Presbyterians would be handling snakes!" We did not see any Presbyterian churches. We did see a funny t-shirt that read: "Paddle faster, I hear banjo music!" We really were in the back woods!

I liked the fences/gates.

A cool old barn, still don't know what the square holes are for?

The red bud was blooming in full force, made for many nice shots.

Photographer extraordinaire (giggle) !

Downtown Gatlinburg - I was attracted to the extra large chocolate bunnies - they were plastic! We made a secret wish and threw our penny in the fountain behind the basket!

Riding the Sky Lift, too cool in our shades - PEACE!

The tulips were also festive!

Ripley's Moving Theater - moving seats and so much fun I lost my voice screaming!

We had a SERIOUSLY good time!

Thanks so much, Eya and Poppy, for keeping our girl so Drew and I could have a fantastic vacation together! Alyssa had a GREAT time at Camp Butterfly and obviously missed us terribly - ha!

Poppy's Retirement

After working since the age of 5 and practicing OB-Gyn for more than 40 years, my father says he's going to retire. He will miss his office . . .

He will miss "his girls"

He will not miss paperwork, and all those charts!

Is he ready for Retirement?!?!

Eya and Tipper better enjoy their last few moments of peace!

Congratulations, Poppy, on your well-deserved Retirement! We love you and count on seeing you much more!