Hogle Zoo Lights

We had such a fun night as a family. My mom came up for a visit and we were lucky to have my brother Cameron come along too. We started the night with a fresh and tasty meal at Buca di Beppo's. Love that place. If you haven't been you should go. We then ventured the Hogle Zoo for some lights. Fortunately for us, it wasn't too cold outside and we walked around looking at all the lights. Aiden loved it, which was the most important thing. I enjoyed him and spending time with my family.

Getting Ready For Christmas!

I apologize that it has taken so long for an updated post, however, as always the month of December has been crazy busy. Here are some pics of Aiden helping out with decorating the tree. Even though he doesn't quit understand the concept of Christmas yet, he still loved it- and we enjoyed it too.

Me and my crazy projects!

I have been looking/wanting an advent calendar for a long time. I was looking on-line and couldn't find one that I really liked but I did find some ideas and decided to just make one myself. It took me about two days to make but I absolutely love it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a great and happy Thanksgiving. We spent the day at Barb's and enjoyed family and some really good food.

I believe the term is "Twi-Hard"

I was getting my hair cut las Friday and my hairdresser tells me that she went to see the new addition to the Twilight saga "New Moon" last night. That seems normal considering that a lot of people did go and see it the night before...however, we are talking about the movie and the girl next to us says that she went and saw the movie twice (yes...two times) last night. My hairdresser proceeds to tell her that she was sooooo lucky to see it twice and then looks at me and says "she is a die hard." I then said, "I believe the term is "Twi-Hard." I can't say much about it considering I have been a little obssessed since seeing the movie then reading all four books in a period of about three weeks and then purchasing tickets for New Moon about three months in advance. I did go and see the movie on Friday and grinned and beared the crowds. In the end of it all I thought it was worth it and worth the wait.

Ode to my Brother Blake

While in Florida and shopping in a supermarket called publix, I came across a bottle of shiraz called the Tall Horse that was from South Africa. Without hesitation I bought the bottle thinking of only one person....my brother Blake. Jesse and I finished the bottle last night and it was good. I only wished that my brother were around to share it with us, however, he is doing great things in the land of Africa. My ode is nothing great....I am no Edgar Allan Poe by any means.

He hasn't been home since last Christmas
By now I am really missing him.

He lives in Port Elizabeth
but travels the whole continent.

He is working really hard in school
learning to save the world in crisis.

I hope he knows how much I love him
and how proud I am to call him my brother.

Flori-duh!

Sunset in Islamarada

Dinner at Marker 88

Sunny Florida

Everglades National Park

Aiden at the beach- and loving every minute!

Loving the water and waves.

So...I was contemplating the story of our trip and I really don't know where to start. There was so much going on all at once that it is hard to begin, but I guess starting at the beginning is the best so here goes. We woke up in the morning with enough time to get to the airport. Aiden was a little cranky but that is usual for him these days. We parked and waited for the shuttle. Aiden was doing okay at this point, however, the minute we got on the shuttle he freaked out. Screamed and kicked and sprawled himself on the ground. Going through security wasn't any easier. He didn't want to do it and made himself known. By the time we got the gate I needed a drink...and I am not talking soda. The plane ride started off okay but Aiden showed his true colors and got antsy about 15 minutes into the flight. On the seat, off the seat...on the seat, off the seat. It took a lot of energy trying to keep him entertained. He did not want to be in the seat belt and fortunately most of the flights the attendants were okay with that. On the flight from Atlanta to West Palm Beach there was a little girl sitting behind us that was learning to talk but she definately knew the word Florida except she said it like Flori-duh. And...she said it about thirty times before we got off the plane. Exhausted, we found the shuttle to the rental car place, somehow fit into the too small Saturn Vue and found our way to the hotel. The following day we drove around looking for Jesse's old house and elementary school. We also stopped at the beach and had a great time. Aiden loved it! He didn't have a swimming suit on but that didn't stop him. He went all in and couldn't get enough. That night we had Charlie's famous spaghetti and meatballs at Barb's sister's house. On the third day we took Aiden back to the beach but took him in his swimming suit. It was a little cold and windy so we didn't stay long. We had dinner at Outback with Barb's family....by this time I am feeling exhausted. We stayed in a suit that had two bedrooms but the bed wasn't big enough for Jesse, myself and Aiden so Aiden and I slept in the bed and Jesse slept on the hide-a-bed in the living room. Now...I don't know about you...but there is reason the we do not let Aiden sleep in our bed. He is a wild sleeper. He was kicking me, punching me, rolling over me and pretty much just trying to sleep in the same space that I was. We drove down to the Everglades National Park...got out...saw an alligator...got back in the car and drove back to our hotel. Oh wait, we did stop and get a cuban sandwich- yummm. We also took a drive to the Keys and had the wonderful opportunity to see the sun set during dinner. It was amazingly beautiful. By the time we headed home we were ready. Except for maybe Ben...He and Jesse went fishing out of Key Largo and he wanted to stay an extra day to go again. After a long two plane rides back home, we made it. Tired and exhausted but thankful that we had the opportunity to go.