Thankful this Thanksgiving!

We don't even need a day to remember to be thankful - there is a lot of praise and thanksgiving these days as we enjoy our new home; stay outside in the fresh air in our community; feel good and healthy (most days); and spend lots of time with our new friends in RH, old friends in Dublin, and families near and far.  

BUT, always fun to be together and eat some turkey - which we certainly did this Thanksgiving.  The Atlanta Sassers (plus Nicole's family) came down to the Farm and we enjoyed lots of time together and lots of good food.

Enda has her good and bad days (but more good than bad, thank goodness), but she felt well enough on Thanksgiving to stay under foot and ask for food any chance that she got.

We love these cousins.  They spent a lot of time outdoors; taking pictures, sitting in deer stands (the litter ones with a very brave Gia), skipping rocks, getting too close to the water, going on tractor and golf cart rides, and fishing. 

We also got to celebrate sweet Addison's 7th birthday!!   

And Nicole plus her mom and grandmother - absolute puzzle pros - helped me finally, FINALLY finish this 1000-piece puzzle that I've been struggling with since the summer.  WHEW.  

Again, so, so thankful for this family of ours, our time together, and the chance to stop and praise God for all the blessings in our lives. 

Fall 2023 Happenings

Well the Fall came and went and now it's already closing in on the holiday season!  Turkey, Christmas celebrations, ringing in the New Year. I can't believe it's all upon us.

Part of my 2024 resolutions include better updating of the blog...but until the New Year rolls around I'll be doing these dumps as an update. It's the only way to document some of the key things I want to remember about our lives lately.

As part of our Fall Break we watched a very good documentary on the Mighty Eight Air Force and then visited the museum dedicated to this unit in Pooler, GA.  We had a great time and learned a ton as well.

We also got to spend some time with the Sasser cousins!  We were fortunate to see them many times over the Fall, and this gang always has a blast.

Even the canine cousins enjoy each other :)  Welcome to the family, cute little Rosie!

Our community celebrated their 25th anniversary and kicked off the high season with the first oyster roast of the year, a wonderful formal gala, and lots of outdoor activities for the kids.  

Speaking of anniversaries and celebrations...GovStrive celebrated its 10th birthday!!  It's always easy for me to remember because both our first-born child and first company came about in 2013 - talk about some crazy times. :)  I could and should write so much more about what this means (and how proud I am of James for this accomplishment and the company's success), but he doesn't love all that fanfare and recognition. He's quick to point back to all those at GovStrive who make this possible - as it truly wouldn't be what it is without them (AND HIM!)

I went away on a quick girl's trip in October to Dallas, meeting up with my old Deloitte pals from all over the country.  We spent 95% of the time lounging in the VRBO and ordering DoorDash (except for one fancy evening at the coolest lounge).  Weekend Perfection!

And I got to squeeze in a little lunch with my sister, which is always a blessing :)

From Texas to Texas-esq back at home: the Ford had their annual Western Night - although we don't need an excuse to don our cowboy boots and gear!

JB has really gotten into tennis - and seems to have a real talent for it!  He had his first official match and did GREAT.  He went in very nervous but won both matches with his doubles partner. 

He also had the best sibling support squad. :)

Maryn has had some dental work this Fall that has included fillings, extractions, and gearing up for early orthodontic work.  It has meant a lot of extra snuggles, appointments, and special time with Mama. I don't complain!

Gosh, I know I'm missing a lot of other stuff from (what has been) a wild and crazy Fall!  Isn't it always this way?  But we love it.

Happy Halloween 2023

The. Days. Are. Flying.  I can't believe how quickly the Fall flew by and that it's already time for Halloween!  This year we had a Houston Astros Baseball Player, Katy Perry and Spiderman. 

Admittedly this holiday felt a little different (a little sad) as we approached, since our previous Halloweens were always spent with our neighbors in Dublin.  We'd have a little party and then all the houses knew to expect the 8 kiddos!  I got several texts from different folks on our old street, letting us know they were thinking of us. :(

BUT, fortunately, the new neighborhood ROCKED the Halloween celebrations, too!!  We had a little get together at the Clubhouse, then a golf cart route along the street to the Marina where we followed up with a Potluck. The kids got SO MUCH CANDY (and like full size bars!!) and we enjoyed the whole evening. There are not a ton a kids in our community, so the adults go a little bit crazy. They are so wonderful to our young families!

Some neighbors set up a Pumpkin Chunking station into the river, which was as crazy as it sounds.

Did I mention we got a ton of candy?? That then Wesley decided to sort, because he's very much into sorting right now.  :)

What a fun night!! And now onto the next month, the next holiday, and getting toward the end of the year. I can hardly believe it...