T-Day LATE!!!

Didn't I promise to be a better blogger?  Well, I guess I just got busy.  We have been on the go for about 10 days straight!  Even now I am multi-tasking.  Martin is taking a nap and I am blogging all while I eat supper.  I made a huge pot of ham bone soup, and it is seriously delish--so much so in fact that I didn't even put my cornbread in the oven.  I just couldn't wait 17 minutes.

Here is a Thanksgiving recap for those of you who are interested.  Thursday morning we were up bright and early to get on the road at 7.  We stopped by the donut shop on our way out of town to get something yummy (read I had NO GROCERIES in the house).  And, the lady said "we be very busy this mornin, people cook turkey, they no want cook breakfast".  She is the sweetest Chinese lady and always asks where my baby is when I come in by myself.  Then, we drove 4.5 hours to Oneonta to be at Thanksgiving lunch.  It was my Aunt, cousin Vann, Mom, Dad, Johnny and Jacci, and Zach and Kelly along with Bryan, Martin, and I for lunch.  I also got to see my cousin Benjamin and his wife Kate before they left for another thanksgiving lunch.  Needless to say we almost polished off the food in one sitting.  It was oh so good.  Having cooked Thanksgiving lunch here the last two years, I could REALLY appreciate all the hard work Aunt Kathy had put in.  And, I got the reminder that my dressing just isn't quite juicy enough.  Then late Thursday afternoon we headed to Talladega.  Just Bryan, Martin, Dad, Mom and me.  I got to see lots of mom's family, and Martin got to meet lots of family he hadn't yet.  We went to my mom's aunt Eloise house (or Granela as the kids call her), and mom's cousin Beth, her daughter Brooke and husband Paul, and mom's cousin Jimmy and wife Debbie.  Martin got to play with Brooke's two boys Lyle and Jack.  He enjoyed playing with their cozy coupe car so much, that the cozy truck got added back to the Christmas list.

Martin and Lyle 

Martin offering Lyle the sippy cup so he can use the car

At this point Martin wanted to know when they were all going to get fussed at.  I thought cars weren't allowed in the house???

Martin and Baba (Beth)

Martin and Papa John

Mamie, Martin and Granela

Friday we had a picnic at the Anchor (boat launch in my parent's neighborhood).  Everyone played football while Martin stood in the middle and yelled and held his hands up cause no one would give him the ball.  Then, Zach and Martin played on the swings.  Saturday I went and took some pictures.  And, then we left on Sunday.

Johnny and Jacci playing football

Martin and Daddy

Finally getting a turn

Swinging with Zach (someone looks sleepy)

Weeeee

My Uncle even swings in baby swings!!

What a face!!!!  I LOVE this picture....too funny.

Having a blast in the sun

Hitching a ride

I made Zach carry me--I think I told him that was why Mom and Dad had him

Huge leaves, or also known as the cat swatter

Fall fun!

We went to Columbus to stay with Nanny and Pa (Bryan's maternal grandparents).  We had a great time.  She fed us TOO MUCH food, and it was all so good.  We also got to see lots of folks on the Benton's side.  And, I got to meet sweet baby Patrick.  I cannot believe Martin was EVER that tiny.  We went and did a little shopping, and got to see Bryan's uncles Doug and Smitty, and Aunt Patsy, and cousin Mary Beth and Thomas her little boy (9 months old).  Martin and Thomas had a ball playing musical books.  They would pick up a book and see who could get someone to read it to them first.  Mary Beth and I helped Nanny decorate her tree, and it looks great if I might say so myself.  I think Bryan was just there for moral support, because he certainly didn't do any decorating.  And, I don't think he watched the babies much, because by the end, there was a puddle of juice on the floor.  Oops!

Here Mom, if we can get rid of this baby, you can give me that bottle.

Martin, Emma, and Kyndal

Fun with Ellen

Book Buddies

Martin trying to be ok with sharing his books

Pa and Martin reading

The boys "helping" us decorate

Martin was so tired from decorating he needed a beverage, however Thomas was ready to play

Tuesday afternoon we made it to Tupelo and stayed with Stephen (Bryan's cousin), Ashley, and Luke (16 months old).  Martin and Luke had the best time ever.  The boys certainly had a memorable trip considering they broke down in Ashley's Mazda--but no worries, better them than her, and she got a new car out of it :) Luke and Martin played push the box around the living room.  I was determined that they were going to watch Rudolph.  I don't think either one of them looked at the TV the whole time.  At one point they turned their chair around with their backs to the TV.  What the heck kids??  Wednesday afternoon the boys helped load our new treadmill in the truck and we drove home.

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My lap was just barely big enough for those two

Luke loving on Martin---Martin trying to escape

The boys "watching" Rudolph

Now, I don't know what I expected but the treadmill was heavier than heavy.  It was ridiculous.  I was determined to get it up the stairs, and we did--just the two of us.  And we were so close to making it up without any real issues....until the very last stair, when the treadmill got leaned up and onto my big toe.  Dear goodness, that hurt!  And, of course I had on my Tom's so basically I was barefoot.  Speaking of Tom's....I sure hope Santa brings me some new ones.  I think Bryan is embarrassed to be seen in public with me in mine.  They are really wearing out.  No, that was not a subtle hint for Bryan.  He never reads the blog.  Besides, subtle doesn't work for him.  I write what I want on a piece of paper and put it on his nightstand, and it is still hit or miss if I will actually get what is on my list!

Saturday night Bryan's parents were nice enough to babysit Martin so that Bryan and I could go see Ballet Memphis' production of the Nutcracker, and it was great!  Bryan is a trooper for agreeing to go.  And, he didn't even whine afterwards.  We also went to Spaghetti Warehouse before and it was delicious.
 
This week I am busy Christmas shopping.  I still have a really long list.  But, I feel like I am getting closer to actually finishing.  But, then again, that might all be in my head.  Hope everyone is having a great week!  My little brother is having shoulder surgery on Friday to repair his labrum (shoulder ligaments/tendons).  So please, remember him in your prayers this week.  Love you Bubba!