Decorating

We took advantage of a Sunday afternoon with nothing on the agenda to go ahead and start decorating for Christmas. Yes, it was before Thanksgiving. But I knew that at the end of the break, Joey and I would be tired and trying to run around getting ready for a new week of school to start back. So, we just went ahead and knocked it out. We had some neighborly help as well!

 This one decided she needed to take a break.

 And then she was ready to start back up again.

 Notice she hung several all together on the string of the lights. Not on the tree branch.

For several days after we got the tree up, Addie Grey would point to an ornament and say, "Me wike dis one. Me take my room." And we found several ornaments in her room. Now the newness has worn off, so she's not doing it anymore. Thank heavens!

Thanksgiving

As always, we had a great Thanksgiving. One of the best parts was that my aunt and uncle from NC surprised us by showing up. We were just about to eat dinner on Wednesday night and I turned around to them standing behind me in the kitchen. It was perfect! I'm beginning to realize (after almost 35 years) that I should never be surprised by anything they do. This is the same aunt and uncle that surprised me at a dance recital when I was in elementary school. The same ones that surprised me when I graduated college. The same one that drove 12 hours in one day to be able to hold her great niece for just a few hours. I love them so much and am so thankful for what they willingly and joyfully do for us!

It was a low key day. We ate, We talked. The kids danced and played. We looked at Black Friday ads. We just hung out and enjoyed our time together as a family. And since I had just recently gotten my Iphone 6, I constantly took pictures of the "nothing" that was going on throughout the day!

 My kids love Tom. The only grandpa they've ever known on that side of the family.

 Our elf showed up on Thanksgiving Day, so Derrick read them their book. Of course, he had to improvise throughout the whole thing as only he can do.

 Makinley is constantly tumbling around the house these days.

 So thankful for them!!

 We attempted to let this one skip her nap so that she would go to bed early. She made it until 4 and then crashed.

My cup overflows! I love them so much!

It was another great Thanksgiving for the Lancasters/Shenemans. But, we missed Trey, Jenn and Bear!!! :-( Next year!

All Star Soccer

Tripp was chosen to play for our county's All Star soccer team, and today was the day. We couldn't have asked for prettier weather and the boys played so hard. We lost in the last few minutes of the game 2-1, but our boy played his hardest and we couldn't be any prouder. 

 Before we left for the game, we had some down time around the house, and these three were acting super silly.

 Addie Grey insisted on wearing her shirt like a hat on her head.

It was a beautiful day for a soccer game. A little chilly, but not nearly as bad as it could have been.

 He had his fan club there. Grammie was there too, but GiGi had to miss it because of an obligation for church.

 We didn't win, but we had fun!!!

 This one wanted a medal too!

And now it's on to soccer season!

Alumni night

Joey and I both love going back to Athens. It doesn't matter if it's for a date, a sporting event, or anything else. We love to be where it all began. This night was extra special because we got to take all three kids with us. The Alumni association put on an event where you could go and have your picture made with Uga, and we didn't pass up the opportunity. The kids were excited, and although it was a little exhausting for momma and daddy, it was worth it!

The girls were excited to see a real live princess!

We took a dinner break (and a selfie break).

 Dreaming of one day! Not playing....just being there as a student! :-)

 Addie Grey was not feeling the guy in the costume! So mommy jumped in the picture too!

 There was a magician there with animals. Little did my two know that one of them was the biggest snake we'd ever seen! And no, I didn't get a picture. I didn't get any where remotely close to it.

 They did pat the bunny.

 She was so excited!

 My three! I love this picture!

A fun night together as a family. The picture with Uga turned out so cute. I'm going to try to add it later!