November's "Extra" Week

Since Thanksgiving was a little early this year, it seemed like we had an extra week this November.  I spent my extra week in Dallas helping my friend Amanda and her husband, Matt with their new baby girl, Emma Kennedy.

Amanda had a c-section and Matt had to go back to work, so she needed a little extra help around.

When I wasn't doing this, shopping, cooking, or doing laundry, I spent a lot of time watching tv and reading and chatting with Amanda.  What a fun week!

My girls stayed in New Boston with their grandparents.  They split them up and swapped back and forth over the few days I was gone.  I think they really enjoyed that alone time, but also really missed each other.  They've gotten along so well since we've been back home.

Adeline got to pet a bull.

And make new friends at Kid's Beach Club.

This is her favorite face to make for pictures.

Annabel fell and scraped her eye, but she didn't seem to mind.

Annabel and my mom's dog, Rocky, have a mutual love for one another.

I left Dallas last Thursday morning, went to NB to get my girls, then loaded them up and headed home to NWA.  It was a lot of driving, but I was ready to sleep in my own bed and see my husband.  I came home to our glorious, shining Christmas tree.  See?  It wasn't so crazy that I put it up halfway through November!

Then we went on a walk to stretch our legs after being in the car all day.  Adeline had a blast in this pile of leaves.

What a fun, extended time in Texas, but glad to be home sweet home.

Thanksgiving & a Baby Shower

We had three Thanksgiving celebrations and a baby shower while we were in Texas.

The girls had lots of country fun while we were at the grandparents'.

We had a little Thanksgiving miracle on Thursday.  I got both my girls smiling and looking at the camera!

Then we went to my grandmother's house for lunch.  I love how she had her tables decorated.  Simple, but elegant.

Jarrod made me two chocolate pecan pies from scratch.  They were picture-worthy and delicious.

We celebrated Thanksgiving at Jon's parents by decorating their Christmas tree and eating tacos.  I love that tradition!

I tried to capture this sweet moment, but this was the best I could do.  Jon and his brother, Shane, bathing their little girls. 

Annabel had a cold & is cutting teeth.  This is the face I saw a lot that weekend. 

Adeline and Annabel are blessed with such fun uncles.  They're discussing all the sounds the animal crackers make in this picture. 

Adeline modeling a bearded toboggan her Tiny made for someone. 

And another shot of Annabel's big belly.  I love it!

Saturday we celebrated Kiersten & Emil's sweet little girl that will be here in January.

What a great time with family the whole week!

Prior to Thanksgiving

November flew by.  Is it really December 1st already?  You wouldn't be able to tell by the temperature, that's for sure.  Anyway, here's how we spent our time between Adeline's birthday and Thanksgiving.

Adeline enjoyed all her birthday presents.  She loves this purple dress-up outfit.

And Annabel has continued to grow and grow.  Adeline's 12 month hand-me-down shirts don't quite cover her big belly.

Adeline had her Christmas dance recital.

They dance to "Away in a Manger" and it brought tears to my eyes.  I'll probably cry at every dance recital.

We decorated our house for Christmas.  I like to have it all put up when we get back in town from Thanksgiving.

This felt tree isn't really serving its purpose.  They mostly just like to pull all the ornaments off and throw them on the floor.  Oh well, it's cute when it's all up.

Jon took the girls outside to play and I looked out to find this.  Something isn't right with this picture. :)

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the girls and I headed to Texas.  One of my BFFs, Amanda, was being induced that day.  I was on pins and needles all day waiting for sweet Emma Kennedy's arrival.

She finally arrived via c-section that evening.  She weighed 7lbs 12oz and was 20.5 inches long.  What a beautiful little girl she is!

Then on Wednesday, I was on pins and needles yet again as another BFF was induced.  She had her handsome Preston James that afternoon.  He weighed 6lbs 14oz and was 19 inches long.

On Wednesday we also met Amber and Lyla at a bounce house place in Texarkana.  Our girls had a blast.

I hate that we live so far away from each other, but we try to make the best of visiting every time we both go in to our hometown.  

That night we stayed at my parents'.  Adeline begged her Nana & Happy to dance with her.  I sat on the couch laughing until I cried at these four!

Stay tuned for our Thanksgiving & post-Thanksgiving happenings.  I have a lot of catching up to do!