Thanksgiving Day!

Pat and I are blessed with families that live so close.  We never have to travel far on holidays and we are always able to be with the ones we love.  Thanksgiving is a long day for Pat and me.  We start at my parents house for lunch and finish at Pat's Dad's house for an early dinner.  Needless to say, we are stuffed and tired by the end of the day.  But, We are thankful!  Will was a trooper and traveled along with us to all of our destinations.  He was the star of the show at both houses and is so loved by everyone.  I can't wait for him to be old enough to enjoy and remember all this LOVE!  He blesses our lives daily and we are most thankful for him this Holiday Season! 

Our Family of Three

Riley  loves Will

"I think I'll just read some of Grandpa's magazines.

"This WWII magazine looks good."

"I'll just eat it instead."

Half Marathon

 About three months ago I decided I would follow through on one of my "bucket list" items and run a half marathon. I trained since Sept 11, religiously, with my good friend Elizabeth (she says I conned her into running...not true), and on November 13th we ran.....13.1 miles!!!!! I have to say, I can't believe that I actually trained and ran the entire thing, but I did and I am so proud of myself. I will definitely do another!  I also need to give a shout out to Pat and Wes, Elizabeth's husband, they were there taking pictures and cheering us on every step of the way!  Thanks for the support!

Just getting started!

This guy won.

 

This is my best friend, Anne.  She runs marathons! This was a sinch for her.

Some guy that ran entirely in camo...weird!

Just chillin' in the wagon.

Here's Anne again.

Elizabeth and I split up around mile 8. 

Coming home!

Finished!  2 hours 14 minutes 47 seconds.

We Love Daddy!

The beginning of November marks Pat's birthday and Veteran's Day!  As you all know, Pat spent a year in Iraq, from 2006-2007.  We are so thankful for his safe return and for his service to our country!  Happy Birthday Daddy and Thank You for Serving!

Pat's still a member of the Alabama National Guard.

Will is excited for cake on Daddy's Birthday!

He's not "311" years old, only 32...I was trying to save some money by using candles we already had. Instead, I got laughed at! 

Aunt B and I took Will to the Veteran's Day Parade.  He seemed to enjoy it, even though this pic below does not necessarily show his enthusiasm!

8 months

Will is growing leaps and bounds!  I can not believe he is already 8 months old and will be 9 months before I know it.  He is the most precious blessing and I can not remember what our lives were like before him.  He has definitely changed us all for the better.  He is spoiled rotten by his grandparents and aunts (maybe mom and dad too) and brings more joy to my life than I could have ever imagined.  It already makes me sad to think that he will be one before we know it.  Any suggestions on how I can make this year slow down????

8 Month Stats:

• Low crawls (like he's in the Army) all over the place.  I think he must have learned that from his daddy.  I'm not sure he's ever going to crawl the conventional way.  He's seems content with this low crawl.
• Puts everything in his mouth.  His favorite things are dog toys and plant leaves.  Even though he has his own (large) box of toys, he prefers the dogs.  I can't explain the leaves, but my house plants do not care for Will.
• Reaches for mommy and daddy. 
• Tries to pull himself up to standing position.  He's almost strong enough to do it without help. 
• Can stand, while holding on to table, for a good long time. 
• Is brave!  He hasn't learned yet that he cat will hurt him if he pulls her fur.  I think that is coming.  The dogs are a little more patient.
• Eats and eats and eats some more...poor kid still has no teeth, but that hasn't stopped him.  I am still making some of his baby food, but he's also eating more big people food and feeding himself (which I love)
• Holds his own bottle.

Will, 8 Months

Halloween

Our pre-Halloween photo shoot! 

Halloween was so much fun this year.  Will was able to enjoy the festivites and attend a 1st birthday party for  one of his good friends!  We started off the week with a little pumpkin carving with friends.

We actually didn't carve a pumpking because Pat was stuck in the ATL airport trying to get home.   But.... we enjoyed watching everyone else. 

Puzzles are delicious!

Will definitely needs his very own football chair.

Will and his buddy Luke.  Luke's mom and dad hosted the pumpkin carving party!

Now.....On to the birthday party!  Happy Birthday Grayson!

Grayson and his mommy Melissa

Blake,Grayson, Will, and Brooks

Peyton, Blake, and Grayson

Will was in love with  Brooks the duck.  They are friends from school too...so they get a lot of play time in!  I think Brooks has had enough of Will on this particular day!

Trick or Treating we go!  Will and Grayson sat in the wagon for the most part.  Will did get out at one house.  Pat took him to the door.  We got some great video!