Getting the Christmas Tree - November 27

After doing a little research, we found a Christmas Tree Farm not too far from us where we could cut down our own tree! This is our very first native Alabama Christmas Tree. The boys enjoyed getting to cut down the tree and carry it to the car. Then we spent the evening decorating and enjoying some pizza! Afterwards, we also played our annual Turkey Bowl. This game normally takes place on Thanksgiving Day, but since we were in Columbus, GA with family, we had to play it today. Once again, mom and dad won. :)

Thanksgiving - November 26

This year, we stayed home for Thanksgiving week. It was so nice to have a week off after a very hectic football season. Thanksgiving Day, however, we went to Columbus, Georgia to enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner with my Uncle Buddy, Aunt Maurine, Uncle Bob, Aunt Peggy, and several of my cousins and their children. There were 30 of us there total, and we had a fabulous time. The second generation of cousins went right to playing and enjoyed hours of four-square competitions, as well as some corn hole, kick ball, football, and just running around and playing lots of imaginative games. Each family brought some food and we had a fantastic feast! At the end of the day, we gathered around a campfire and had a time of singing and saying what we were thankful for and s'mores! It was a wonderful, laid back, family filled day. I am so thankful we were able to enjoy Thanksgiving together!

Family Pictures - November 21

Our last family picture was in January of 2013. So since it had been almost 3 years, we decided to get family photos done again. This time, we hired a photographer and took pictures outside. It was a fun experience, and the pictures of my boys came out really well! I have included all the pictures the photographer took. I hope to get some of the best ones framed soon!

Halloween and Pumpkin Carving - October 30 and 31

The night of October 30th we carved the pumpkin. The boys have always been a little bit squeamish about this. They really don't like getting their hands inside of that pumpkin. They took turns getting out the insides, but I think they were happiest watching Bill do it. :) This year's pumpkin was named Scar because Bill gave him a scar above one eye. The boys say he is the toughest pumpkin on the street. The next night, the boys went trick-or-treating. Eli was a football player named Marshawn Lynch (AKA Beast Mode) who plays for the Seattle Seahawks, Brady was a skeleton, and Major was Batman. They came home with a ton of candy! It was a very fun night!

October 22 - Elementary Football Party

Both the boys received an award after a great season of football. Eli received the leadership award, and Brady received the "Best Hands" award for his great catch!