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!

Scooby

Our 16 year old kitty has gone over the Rainbow Bridge. He had not been doing very well for a few days and on the way to the Vet he had a seizure and had to be put to sleep. We will miss him but he had good long life. The photo above after he had his "Senior Care" bath. The video, when he was more lively was taken in June around his 16th Birthday. RIP Scooby Dooby!

Happy Halloween!

So today I've caught up on our blog, be sure to read the 3 posts below. We had a quiet but nice Halloween. Only about 20 trick-or-treaters but tons of candy (oops!) and no tricks.

It's a little difficult to see but the Coburg Cow even dressed up for Halloween - she's a ghost, I think.

Carving the pumpkin - Maggie May and her "conehead" right on cue. She loves raw pumpkin! Along with every other eatable and non-eatable thing in the universe, except a lemon - crazy dog! I love that she shares our pumpkin carving tradition!

Then it was time for face painting. Alyssa is notorious for changing her mind up until the last minute of what she is going to be for Halloween. This year she was first going to be a Ballerina, then a Skeleton (we bought a costume for that one) then finally Dracula Vampire Girl (Gotta go buy face paint on Halloween day!) Anyway we both had fun while my sweet girl turned into this . . .

Ready for action - Happy Halloween y'all!

October in Charleston

Look familiar? We have a print of this shot in our Living Room. Drew's photographic skills just keep getting better!

Everybody loves the Pineapple Fountain.

Reflections from an Art Gallery - just a few lovely things the Engineer gone Artist has spied this Fall.

Great Work at School!

Alyssa received her first Report Card this week. She made all C's (Consistent) with one S (Sometimes Demonstrated) in completing assignments at school. Apparently she is quite POKEY, not only at home but at school as well. This was no surprise and we will be working on her speed of completing assignments, especially at school. Artists and dreamers have a hard time being rushed :) We were very pleased with her first report card and happy the adjustment to Kindergarten is going well. Geat Work, Girl!

Mrs. Genie

October was a really busy month for us. Two days after we returned from Disney World my sweet grandmother, Mrs. Genie, passed away. It really was a blessing. She had Alzheimer's Disease and had not been doing well for five years. The finality of the Funeral made me sad. Realizing that I would not see her nor the small town in Georgia where she had lived most of her life again brought plenty of tears. Above is the Church that she attended as well as the Church where my parents were married.

Although I prefer weddings, at least funerals give you a chance to catch up with family. Alyssa had a great time playing with Uncle Mike, my Mom's brother, and Aunt Gail. And hey - they made the Blog!

The flowers sent by family and friends were gorgeous!

So I've buried my last Grandparent, I was lucky to have them all for so long!

This is the picture of Mrs. Genie I keep on the fridge. Four of my most favorite people on Earth all looking pretty darn good! This was taken the last Christmas Mrs. Genie was able to come to our house and say "I've just never seen so much Christmas!" We love and miss you Nana!

Disney - October 2009

Well - we finally did it! The A Team of three took their first vacation together and we took our girl to Disney World. We had a wonderful time - it was everything we had hoped it would be and more - can I go back now?!?!?!

Our first day was at the Magic Kingdom and the very first thing we did was ride the Dumbo ride.

We hung out with Goofy . . .

and wrapped up the first day with Dinner at the Crystal Palace - we were three tired campers! Alyssa's favorite event of the day was the Peter Pan ride.

We spent our second day at the Animal Kingdom and spent the late afternoon in our hotel pool. It had a dragon whose tongue was a waterslide.

Day 3 was spent partly at Epcot and the hotel. Alyssa thought Epcot was "Boring." We all enjoyed "Soaring" ate lunch in Mexico and Alyssa loved the Leap Frog Fountains. We also hitched a few rides on the Monorail.

Day 4 was Hollywood Studios and we spent our longest day touring.

We had front row seats for High School Musical 3 - Alyssa is a HUGE fan, experienced pin trading for the first time and had a nice lunch at the Brown Derby. We shut this park down! One highlight of the day was riding Toy Story Mania - it was a blast - it should have been, we waited in line an hour. I really should not complain, we only waited in line two other times.

Alyssa and Drew with all their "Bling" at the Brown Derby.

Just the gals!

Our fifth and final day was back at the Magic Kingdom. We opened up the park and had breakfast with Cinderella and the other princesses. As you can see from her face, Alyssa was SUPER excited. This one shot made the whole trip worth it!

This one too!

So long Magic Kingdom we will always remember Alyssa's first trip here!