Valentine's Day Dance

Happy boy with his best friend, Jack!

My Little Valentine!

Photo booth!

On Friday night, we had a family date (with Big Papa, too!) at Branner's Valentine's Day Dance. It was so much fun! There was a photo booth area (waiting on the pic from that), pizza, games, crafts, cookie decorating and a middle school kid playing music DJ. Branner spent the majority of the time chasing and playing with his best friend from school, Jack. These two have so much in common and are totally joined at the hip! The rest of us spent our time being amused by the kids and eating and laughing. I am so thankful for our preschool and for the friends we have made there! 

Who's Calling?

Source: weheartit.com via Hollie on Pinterest

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We started our week out exactly the way I like to this morning—at church. The sermon Dr. Kort gave really hit home for me. The message involved setting intentions and being mindful about what God is calling you to do. He asked what was tugging at our hearts because whatever was is more than likely God letting us know how we are to serve. Barry and I were talking in the car about what that meant to us, and I told him at this point, God couldn't be more clear with his message to me.

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned my goals for this year here. They were pretty simple and focused mainly inside my home and on my family unit. Since I have, um, switched career paths, I have spent a decent chunk of my time volunteering through the Junior League, our church, and Branner's school. But, I am feeling a tug to place my focus mainly on my family and church this year. God is definitely telling me to concentrate my main efforts on Him, my marriage, and being the best mommy I can be. So, that is what I am making my calling.

I'm going to step back from the Junior League for a year. After Leighton arrives, I don't think I'm going to even attempt to do the small amount of outside work I am currently doing. I will continue as a member of the parent's committee at B's school, and I am going to join a Mustardseed Group (a small group focused on faith) at our church for moms with infants and toddlers. And, at this time, I feel like that is enough. It's time for me to really get back to basics this year.

Day 2

Today, I am thankful for family. 

Young and old, near and far, in good times and in bad, no matter what happens, I feel so blessed to have the family I do! I love each and every one of you dearly!

Halloween 2012

Another fun year of ghouls and goblins is behind us, and Branner had a blast! There was a Halloween parade at school yesterday morning that was just precious. We kicked off the evening festivities with pizza, goodies, spiked spiced cider/mulled wine, friends, and fun! We moved right on to trick-or-treating, and capped the night off with a visit to Aunt Jen and Uncle Trey's! Branner had a wonderful time, and so did we! Can't wait to do it again next year!

A while back, Branner had asked to be a shark for Halloween, so that is the first costume we ended up with. However, when we got to school yesterday for the big parade, he wasn't having any part of being a shark. So, he decided to be a fireman last minute instead. His teachers sent the costume home *just in case*, because they are the best, and that's what B ended up being. He held onto the hat all night long while walking from door-to-door (no wagon this year, we have a big boy on our hands), and was just too cute for words in general! Hope everyone had a safe, happy Halloween and got tons of good candy!
 

Dressed and ready to get some candy! 

Group shot!

...and another!

  

Trick or Treat!

Yay, candy!

Walking with Daddy!

Hall Family Farm

I've already told y'all how busy this month is for us. Since the weekends between now and Halloween are filled, we went to pick out pumpkins at Hall Family Farm on Saturday evening. It was close to home, just the right size for B, and had plenty to keep him entertained. He loved picking out his pumpkin, "driving" tractors, playing in the sandbox, and checking out their huge spider! We will definitely be going back during strawberry season as well! 

Saturday with The Kirbys

First time wearing these this Fall!

My view at breakfast. Sandwich, sippy cup, trash, IPad, toddler bottom.

Saturday tradition.

We woke up this morning and decided that Bruegger's was a must for breakfast! I also decided that since it was dreary and damp out, today would be a great day to break out my rain boots! After a quick, yummy breakfast, we headed over to Lowe's to shop for mums to decorate our front stoop. And, of course, a little tractor ridin' for B. We made a quick trip to BJ's (which I am loving, BTW), stopped in a furniture, consignment store, and Blacklion, then headed back home. Now, it's naptime, and all three of my boys are snoozing. I plan to relax on the couch and maybe watch a movie! Hope y'all have a fabulous Saturday!

Swingin' Weekend

Our fabulous first official Fall weekend included...

...having friends over for dinner on Friday!

...a trip to the gym Saturday morning!

...lunch with Stacey for B and I!

...a trip to check out BJ's Wearhouse where B got a garbage truck toy the size of Texas!

...movies on the couch on Saturday night!

...a long family bike ride on the greenway Sunday morning!

...a Sunday afternoon nap!

...a walk to the neighborhood park for Barry and B!

...dinner with the girls at Ilios Noche for me!

...the RHNJ season finale! DRAMA!

How was your weekend?!

Weekend Update

New urns. Terrible pic, but you get the idea.

I. Am. So. Tired. 

We have had a wonderful weekend, but we are all pooped! Case in point: Branner slept until 9:15 today. 9:15!!!!!! All y'all with kiddos know that sleeping past 9 is the mommy equivalent to sleeping until noon. It was so nice!

Friday night, we met Jen, Trey, and Saline at Stonecrest for dinner at Smashburger, live music, a little bit of prosecco from Dean & Deluca, and some ice cream. We had a blast! I need to look up and see how much longer they're doing the live music thing, because I'd love to take Branner again! 

Saturday, we also got to sleep in (8:30!!). We did a few things around the house, then hit the road to Asheboro because last night was Blake and Lindsay's first wedding shower! What a great party! Barry and I even made it downtown for a minute after the shower (probably has something to do with why I'm so sleepy today). It was our first time out in Asheboro, which is crazy, but we always stick close to home on our visits. 

We drove back to Charlotte this afternoon, and I've caught up on a few TV shows and lounged while Barry planted in our new front door urns. I have a black thumb, so I leave all of the gardening to him. They turned out great! 

We'll do a low key dinner and probably go to bed super early tonight. What a fun couple of days! I'm pretty sure we'll be staying put next weekend instead of traveling for Labor Day!

Branner's First Tweetsie Trip!

Tweetsie was quite the adventure for all of us! Branner is really at the perfect age to enjoy everything (except about four rides) that the park has to offer. Honestly, he was least impressed with the ride on the "big" train. He had more fun on the kiddie train at the top of the mountain! He rode everything we rode—including the chair lift and the ferris wheel! He has no fear! He loved every minute we spent at the park, and we will definitely be going back! Pics of our day:

Beech Bums!

Last Tuesday, Branner and I packed up and headed west—to Beech Mountain! We met Kiki and Coco there for several days of fun, cooler temps, relaxation, food, and more fun! I grew up taking trips up to that area, and it's so nice to be able to share and experience it with B. There are tons of things to do that are kid friendly, so I highly recommend it as a great location for a weekend getaway for families!

We made several visits to the Beech Mountain Rec center park, had lunch at Dunn's Deli, went on walks, played, colored, enjoyed the weather, and, the kicker—took B's very first trip to Tweetsie!!! It was another amazing trip; we just wish Daddy could have joined us!

A few pics of our park adventures:

 

Tweetsie pics to follow! They need their own post, maybe two! Happy Monday!

Dinner with Big Papa

Last night, we had dinner with Big Papa. I caught them both mid-cheese. Hilarious! Shout out to BP for keeping B entertained while Barry and I ran to Macy's to speed shop for buy a new mattress for our new master. It's becoming more real by the day...WE'RE MOVING!

IOP via Instagram

We spent the week of the fourth with Jason, Kendra, Devyn and Courtney at Wild Dunes/IOP. We had a blast! Between boat rides, tubing, swimming, shell hunting, beachin' it, island hopping, sunning, reading, napping and playing, we enjoyed the company of some of our most favorite people on Earth!

Starfish—Tidal Pool

Yummy ice cream cone!

DELISH!

Dribbles!

Boat ride to see fireworks! Two halves of my heart!

Boat ride scenery—sunset.

Full Moon Fourth // Happy Independence Day!

Building a sandcastle with Daddy!