Catching Up- November

So we're up to November on this first day of January!

The first part of the month was eventful, without being eventful.  We stayed busy and the month flew by, but it wasn't anything picture-worthy.  There was a lot of planning for a certain little girl's upcoming first birthday and Christmas.

We didn't get Dollywood passes this year so we took advantage of their Sevier County Days.  It was pretty warm the day we went.

The day before Thanksgiving was a snow day for us.  We were supposed to have half a day of school but it was called off, we had just enough snow to go out and make a muddy mess!!

That afternoon we decided to head up to Bass Pro to see Santa.  Mom ended up in the Santa pic because baby girl was having nothing to do with Santa this year!  Wheeler, who had been saying he was going to ask for an IPAD all along, asked Santa for........a reindeer!!!!  Luckily, Santa said he'd try to bring a stuffed reindeer because he needed all his.

As a side note, I will say, Bass Pro Shop's Santa Wonderland or whatever they call it....rocked!  Sure they do it to make a buck, but the kids saw Santa, shot air rifles, played with remote control cars and trains, and rode a carousel and we didn't spend a cent!

Wheeler being Wheeler

Her first carousel ride.

We celebrated Thanksgiving with our wonderful family.  These are just a few pics.

 My mom and her sister.

 Making her shopping plan for Black Friday.

With her cousin.

As is tradition, my sis and I went shopping but there are no pictures as evidence.

Also, as I said a few days ago, I just wasn't into the holidays as I wanted to be.  I tried.  I knew we needed to see Santa so I insisted we go on that Wednesday.  I knew we wouldn't be able to go to Dollywood to see the lights unless we went during Sevier County Days, so I insisted we go on that Saturday.  I also knew the kids would enjoy these outings.  I was constantly searching for a feeling, and not finding it.  Don't get me wrong, I loved every second with my family and I cherish the memories we made, but I felt empty.  And rushed.  And pulled in so many directions, as all moms do.  

I'm on a roll!  Hopefully I get Decembers update out this week!

Catching up- October

So I was determined to make October fun!  We waited out the first couple of weeks, because we knew there was a possibility John would be laid off, and if we could do things with Daddy then we would wait for him.  Bless John's heart, that first weekend he was off I think I filled up!


At the beginning of the month it was beautiful out.

At a new playground we found when out one Saturday.

More birthday fun!

                                    

                                      We celebrated our cousin's birthday.

With my Papa

We carved some pumpkins.

I love this picture!

Making the same face as his pumpkin!

We did hit up a local pumpkin farm.  On recommendation from my sister, we went to Ballenger's in a neighboring county and it was FABULOUS!

About to pick our pumpkins!

We loved the slides.

We had to stay warm, it seemed it was chilly the weekend we were out and about.

It was also chilly for Boo at the Zoo!

My ninja and pumpkin

We also did some resting this month!

And this pic just because.  She is her brother's mini-me.

Like I said on the last post, I feel like I was just going through the motions.  I know Wheeler had a great time and we made wonderful memories, but I felt like I was getting farther and farther behind with work.  If I'm at home my mind is on work, if I'm working on schoolwork my mind is on my family and the time I should be spending with them.

We've Been Busy

Long time, no blog again!  I've thought about it several time, but work and the boy are keeping me busy!

We went to Dollywood earlier this month.  Wheeler always loves to go there.

Love him!

On the obstacle course.

With mom.

With mom again.

Then the next weekend we met some friends at the pumpkin farm in Sevierville.

With my new friend!

Here we are again!

Baaa!

After the pumpkin farm that day, we went to Cherokee and Wheeler saw his first concert.....Charlie Daniels.  He wasn't too impressed......

On the way to Cherokee on this afternoon, we saw a mamma bear and her cub in a tree.  I tried to get pictures, but you can't really see the bears.  Wheeler and I got out of the truck and stood under the limb momma was on.  It was a little frightening to me.  Wheeler loved it!

We went to Oaks farm with Daddy the next weekend and had a ball!

Sliding!

I loved jumping!  Mommy got on, too, but those pictures won't be posted!!  haha

The rabbit was soft.

Finding the perfect pumpkin!

In a field of pumpkins....aka....pumpkin heaven.

A Wheeler sized pumpkin.

Riding back with daddy.

Just hanging out and exploring.

We had game night last week, and since Sophie was sick and couldn't come, Wheeler entertained himself.....

He said he was in his car driving.

And this one just cracks me up..........

I love John, and all he does and tries to do for us!  Notice what he's trying to teach
Wheeler.......including the square root sign!