The Friday Rundown

Lots of Christmas festivities have been happening this week. 

Monday night we made our first ever gingerbread house. 

Matt got pretty serious about it and really didn't want to come out and say it, but he didn't want me to "mess up" the pattern he was making with the candy. 

Matt dripped a little icing on his finger and licked it.... Fulton saw it and hadn't realized what the white stuff was that we were playing with. He proceeded to lick his finger and his eyes just lit up. From that point on it was hard to keep his little fingers out of it. 

And here's our final product. It sits proudly on the shelf and we talk about it daily. Tuesday night I went to sister's house for her annual ornament swap. I came home with a cute one. Wednesday Fulton and I headed to our regular girl for a little hair cut. We had to get her to fix the mess that was created last month when we couldn't get in to see her and had to try another place. Lesson learned. 

Thursday afternoon Fulton had his party with his school friends. Look at these sweet little ones with their precious Mrs. Vin. They adore her, as I do too. 

Each of the little ones takes turns handing their gifts out to their friends. Fulton just stood and watched everyone open what he had given them. He was so excited. I pray we can always instill in him a heart that desires to give rather than receive. 

Here's his little potty training bud. He loves some Laylee bug. Daddy probably wouldn't want to know that Fulton carried that baby doll around a lot last night too. 

I know what you are thinking. That is the cutest thing ever--Fulton and the grill, right?! Mrs. Vin made this. She made one for Fulton and Laylee for Christmas. Yes, she made the whole thing. And my mom helped her paint the food to look like hamburgers, steaks, and cheese. It is the most precious thing I have ever seen. Fulton thinks he is big stuff and he will be cooking dinner next week!!

Family and Friends

We spent the weekend with family and friends. 

Fulton loves his buddy Ford. And I love Ford's mommy. She is a dear friend. They had us over for dinner and crafts Friday night. We almost didn't get to go because this little guy was a little under the weather. We made a quick trip to the doctor and found we had an ear infection. Boo.

Lisa is so crafty. She had a fun little activity planned for the boys. 

It involved paint so Fulton was all over this one. 

We painted their feet to make a nativity scene. We actually let them paint the stars and that is why Fulton's sweet star has a little green in it too. 

Our final products. Fulton's is on the left. He has a little sausage foot like his momma. Fun night. 

Saturday morning we met the fam at Chick-fil-A for breakfast. Fulton spotted someone 

across the restaurant. 

We don't really do the whole Santa thing (gasp!), but I won't get all into that right now. We did take a picture with him, but Fulton wasn't thrilled about it. 

We made our way over to the mall for two last little gifts we needed to get. Ahh... finally all finished with the Christmas shopping. These two things have been lingering over my head. Sister told us the restrooms in Von Maur were awesome, so we decided to check them out. They have a real changing table with wipes included. Matt enjoyed the rocking chair. 

All we need is a fancy restroom to get excited. 

Saturday night we had our small group Christmas party. The girls did a scarf exchange. We usually do ornaments, but I decided to see if everyone was up for something different this year. It was so much fun and I came home with a really cute scarf. Fulton actually stayed with a babysitter for the first time.

 It was a success. 

Sunday night we loaded up with the fam and headed to the zoo for the Zoolight Safari. 

It was freezing. Simply freezing. But these poor little goats were still trying to entertain. 

We did ride the carousel because the line for the train was just too long. 

It was decorated so pretty with all the lights and they even had snow coming down on you. Ok maybe it was just bubble stuff, but for a minute I imagined we were at the New York Zoo, if 

there is such a thing. 

Fulton was a bit confused as to where all the animals were. 

My people. 

This right here is what you get when you stop a random person and ask them to take your picture. I should have known it wasn't good when the lady said--I can't see anything. Yikes. 

Second time wasn't so great either, but at least you can see more than just the top of our heads. Not to get all sappy on you here, but we are so thankful for our family. I realize there are many out there that don't have family nearby or maybe they don't get along. Not to say we are always all peachy and sunshine with each other, but we have such a good time together. I am so thankful that we all love to be together (maybe I should speak for myself. ha.), but really, we are blessed. 

Full Saturday

We had a great day yesterday. We started out with a visit to the nursing home that is just a couple of minutes from our house. 

My sweet friend Claire had the idea and we jumped on board. 

We made some snacks and a few goodie bags for them. We visited and loved on them for as long as they would let us. 

We practiced pinching Fulton's cheeks all morning so he would be ready. The kids enjoyed their chalkboard and the precious residents just giggled watching them. It was a sweet time of serving with two other families. 

Afterwards we did a quick stop at a few places and tried to finish up some Christmas shopping. This guy was a good little helper. 

We came home and snuggled up a bit because brrr it was cold outside. 

Not long after that we had to get going because Fulton had a play date scheduled. He was invited over to Doretta's house to make cookies and crafts with the ladies. 

He had a blast. He made a tub full of homemade cookies, a place mat, his own Christmas tree for his room, and a reindeer. He wasn't ready for us to come back. 

Oh and while Fulton was having his play date, Mommy and Daddy got to have a date of their own. Ahh how refreshing to be with my man, uninterrupted, and actually at a place that carries steak knives. 

On the way back to get our little booger we stopped to pick up this movie. I have been wanting to see it and you can always use an addition to the movie collection. Even after the 40th time it didn't disappoint. 

A Week of Thanksgiving

Last Tuesday after school we headed South towards the beach. 

Wednesday we went to lunch at one of our favorites. Tacky Jacks. As usual, it didn't disappoint.

Fulton was a little sad on Wednesday. Early that morning we went down to one of the other condos and he touched a mirror that was leaning against the wall. Well, the mirror went falling backwards and crashed into the bedpost, shattering into a million pieces. It was a very large mirror too. Dad and Matt spent the morning getting it fixed. Precious memories, but thankful he wasn't hurt. 

Did I mention the whole family was here? There was about 17 of us in 4 different condos. 

It was so much fun seeing everyone. 

We did miss those who weren't in the country. My other two cousins are in Slovakia and Lebanon. Mema enjoyed loving on her great grandsons. She now has 4 great grandsons and one
more boy on the way. 

This technology is too much. Fulton has taken a liking to Aunt Keri's phone and gets a little possessive over it when you make him give it back. Ugh. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!  We do have so much to be thankful for. The Lord has blessed us far more than we could have ever imagined and we give him all the glory. 

We had an absolute feast to celebrate the day. We ate well the entire week and I haven't felt a hunger pain in several days now. 

The beach was beautiful. Fulton and Pete enjoyed a little after lunch gazing. 

We also celebrated Mema's 80th birthday while we were there. She had some helpers to get the candles blown out. Please excuse the fact that my child doesn't have a shirt on. 

We spent the rest of the day watching a little football and relaxing. 

Oh and then we went to the beach. It was still a little chilly, but it didn't stop this little guy.

As if we hadn't ingested enough calories, Friday morning the guys did their annual breakfast trip to Hazels. Fulton got to join in this time. He thought he was big stuff getting to go with the boys. 

After breakfast we all met up at the park. Caleb and Fulton loved playing together. 

These two are a mess. 

We met the crew at The Shrimp Basket for lunch. 

We spent Friday night relaxing in anticipation of the big AL game the next day. 

All the guys spent Saturday morning playing golf. Poor Fulton didn't get to go and he had to come shopping with the girls instead. I think he enjoyed it, but we won't tell daddy. 

We made a last minute stop at Sea N Suds for lunch, but the line was too long so we decided to head home. It was getting close to game time. 

We are going to skip over the game part. This was pretty much the look on everyone's face. At least the food and the company was good. 

We stayed up late Saturday night because we didn't want the week to end (that and the fact that we were mourning a loss). It was such a blessing to be able to get together with our whole family and be together for a week. It's rare we get to spend this much time together with our out of town family. 

To say we are worn out is an understatement. But it was fun. Happy Thanksgiving!