So. Stinking. Excited.

Barry just ordered part of my anniversary present (we have been married four years this Wednesday), and I am so excited about it, I can't stand it! I am sharing the information because I know a lot of you who follow my blog are fellow mommies, and this is the best gift for a mommy ever! It is the Little Love Charmer Plus charm and a necklace from Tina Steinberg. Her website is: www.shop.tinasteinberg.com. Check her jewelry out, it is so amazing! My charm will be Branner's thumbprint on one side and his name on the other. I can't wait to get my fingerprint kit in the mail!

Raleighwood

Watching football with Uncle J. He wants me to play for State one day!

Best. Nieces. Ever.

I love Aunt Kiki!

Playing with the girls outside.

We really don't sit still for long around here. Maybe that's where Branner gets it from... We are just in from spending the night in Cary and visiting Jason, Kendra, Devyn and Courtney. We also spent our first night EVER away from Branner. He spent the night at Jason and Kendra's and while we opted for a hotel room. He was in very capable hands and had a great time at his first sleepover! His cousins played with him, walked him, fed him, changed him and just loved on him in general. He even decided to sleep through the night (9:45pm-7:00am), which has become a trend the past few days. I sure hope it sticks (again)! Last night, all the adults went out for a yummy dinner and a few drinks at The Oxford downtown. If you live in Raleigh or visit the area, I highly recommend this restaurant. It has a great atmosphere and the food is amazing! We also went to see Demetri Martin, whose show was HILARIOUS. It was an awesome night and so nice to sleep in this morning. We all went to church this morning. Barry and Branner went with Jason and Kendra, while I went to Brittany's church for the baptism of Brock. It was a wonderful service and so great to see my best friend and her adorable family! Love to the Laxtons! Thanks to Jason, Kendra and the girls for everything. We love you guys!!!

Labor Day Weekend

With all of the traveling we've been doing and trips we have coming up, we decided to cancel our Holden Beach plans last weekend in favor of a weekend at home. We started the weekend off with a low-key night at home on Friday night. We took a trip to shop around for a few things Saturday morning. Barry worked in the yard that afternoon while Branner and I took long naps. We took Branner to our favorite burger joint, Big Daddy's that evening and all had a great time! Branner enjoyed flirting with the waitresses and Barry and I enjoyed our delicious burgers. We topped the night off with a stop at Yoforia for me on the way home. It was pretty much the perfect day! On Sunday, we went out to our favorite breakfast spot, Eddie's Place. It used to be a Sunday tradition to do breakfast out for Barry and I, and I think we should start going again with Branner. After relaxing around the house, I finally got off my butt late Sunday afternoon and went to the Y for some cardio and a yoga class. We spent Sunday evening at home enjoying a yummy homemade steak dinner, some fabulous wine and funny movies. Barry and I both hit the gym Monday morning, had a great lunch at home and got a few things done around the house. We wrapped up just in time to get some quality playtime in with Branner and have some friends over for dinner. I love long family weekends!

We'll Miss You, Papaw

After struggling with Parkinson's Disease for several years, my grandfather passed away early Monday morning. He was a fun, kind, hard-working, golf-loving man who loved God and his family deeply. I take comfort in knowing he is in a much better place now; not trapped in the prison his body had become over the past few years. I only wish Branner had been able to know him and spend time with him. I am grateful Branner at least got to meet him. Papaw will be missed, but never forgotten!

AM Mayhem

Unlike mommy, Branner is quite the morning person. He likes to enjoy his cereal and relax, then play until time for his morning nap.

New Camera

After 7 months of not-so-great picture taking due to a camera that just couldn't capture Branner fast enough, we bought a new camera! I love it! If you have children, a higher-grade camera is a "must". Expect to see an obnoxious amount of pictures on here in the future. I am snapping more pictures than I know what to do with these days. The next step will be enrolling in a class so I can learn the inner workings of the Rebel. I am currently winging it and would really love to know how to operate it correctly!

Pauly D

Branner channeling Pauly D from Jersey Shore. Priceless!