November 27

"Look, Hannah!! This is my Black Friday Chair!" The back story on this one began last year on Black Friday when we were at Mimi and Papa's house and were talking about all the Black Friday deals and explaining to Hannah how crazy shoppers can get for a good deal. She asked Mimi where she was shopping for Black Friday and Mimi quickly replied that she wasn't going anywhere for Black Friday and that she was going to stay nice and cozy in her chair. The rest of the day, the kids referred to Mimi's recliner as the Black Friday Chair. It kinda stuck throughout the year and apparently so much so that Austin has now claimed his own Black Friday Chair!!

November 26

Hannah was rocking her handstand at gymnastics today!!

November 28

"Wisher whoppers." Austin's way of saying windshield wipers. Love him!

November 25

Annual Johnson-Thomas trip to VT. Lunch at Backstreets, sight-seeing {took our babies to the duck pond!} and a fun-filled football game on the drill field. What an awesome day!!

November 24

Had family pics taken today!! It was cold..... But we toughed it out and hopefully will have some awesome pics to remember this time in our lives forever!! So glad that my grandma was there and healthy enough to be a part of it!

November 23

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving with Greg and Kier at mom and dad's house. Great Mimi was there and Jim joined us too. It was the best meal that Papa has ever cooked and it was topped off by seeing my kids playing with Greg and Kier. Truly made my day even more perfect.

November 22

Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for. Each and every post this year was meant to be a reminder of all the amazing blessings in my life. Today I am especially grateful for a wonderful lunch with my grandma and parents at The Glebe. I am so happy she is healthy and happy where she is. She is an amazing woman and we are truly better for having her in our lives.

November 21

Do you think they like books??? We had to put a limit in Hannah! She even has her own library card now!

November 20

This is what Mimi does. She plays with my babies.

November 19

These are still up on our wall. We were welcome home with them from the half marathon trip. I particularly love how Hannah wanted to remind me that she used a piece of paper under the sharpie. Guess they do listen, huh?

November 18

I am so grateful for my relationship with my mom. Tonight we played "Word with Friends," which is a board game like scrabble and we laughed so hard, my stomach actually hurt. It never fails, we ALWAYS have fun together.

November 17

Grandpa is here! And the kids are so excited about staying with him in the trailer. They even drew airstream masterpieces!

November 16

Today I am grateful for crossfit. I was pushed today out of my comfort zone and I actually did great. I even got to work out with Mike. I am so happy that we are showing our kids that exercise is so important.

November 15

Today was Austin's Thanksgiving day feast at his school. Mimi was able to join us. So much to be thankful for!

November 14

Mimi is here and we spent the morning shopping, laughing and having a great time together. So glad my mom is willing to spend so much time with us!

November 13

Got our new Ford Explorer today! I think Hannah said it best with "On a scale of 1-10, this is definitely a 10!"

November 12

Hate to say goodbye to the OBX today. But so incredibly grateful for the experience.

November 11

Mike ran his first half marathon today and did it in 1:44.58. That out him in the top 8% of all runners in the race. I am so proud of him!

We had a great trip with great friends. Wish it didn't have to end so soon.

November 10

We have had a great day traveling to the OBX with Ben and Maria for their half marathon tomorrow. So proud of Mike for going on this journey. What a fabulous example he is setting for our kids!

November 9

We bought a new car today!! It's a first for me and Mike together ... And a first for Mike ever! We are the proud owners of a 2013 Ford Explorer. So grateful for my husband being willing to buy me the vehicle I want.

November 8

Taking the kids to meet Mimi and Papa tonight. Four nights away from them seemed like a good idea at the time... But I am really gonna miss them!

November 7

We made posters for daddy to run in his big race. The kids can't be there but they will definitely be there in spirit! Good luck, daddy!!

November 6

I took the kids with me today to vote for the president. They both voted for Barack Obama in the student election and were thrilled when they learned that he won again. Glad I could share in this process with them. They are learning so much each and every day.

November 5

Today the kids and I were watching Ellen and she had on a child prodigy piano player who was only 6 yrs old. I asked Hannah if she could okay like that and she said "Umm... No!" And Austin shouted clear across the room "I can!!!!" Man, I love that kid. I can't wait to see all that they both accomplish one day!

November 4

I am grateful for photography and the opportunity to create beautiful images of families.

November 3

Last day of fall soccer. Have no fear, we will start back up again in a few weeks.

November 2

It's a beautiful fall day and we are going to meet up with Paige and PJ at the park after school. I love our city, our weather, our friends. I love this time of year!

November 1

Austin woke up this morning, came downstairs and immediately started tearing up. "I don't want trick or treating to be over!" I think he had a good time last night!!

October 30

This is what I woke up next to this morning.  Bella and Hannah somehow made it into our bed last night.  She LOVES this dog.  Can't sleep without it.  Reagan took her to Build-a-Bear a few years ago and got it for her.  Needless to say, Bella has been a part of our lives (and our beds) for awhile now!

October 31

I want to suck your bloooooodddd!  We had a blast with the Thomas family and the Crawford family tonight.  Happy Halloween!