blessed.

Things have been pretty hectic around here lately. We've been driving all over the world, Nate's been working extremely hard, and I've been trying to get all the loose ends tied up for the end of the semester and for graduation. So I guess I'll just start where I left off a couple weeks ago...

Nate and I had a pretty great Thanksgiving. He had the entire week off and I had three days off. His grandpa came down from Minnesota and stayed with us for a day. He was supposed to be here longer, but the airline does what airlines do best and screwed his flight up. He had arranged for someone to take him to his plane in a wheelchair, but the person never showed. By the time someone got there and got him across the airport, the plane had left. Early. Without him. Sooooo we had to go pick his baggage up at midnight and then Nate had to go back the next day and get him. We packed up for five days away and loaded the car with all our bags, the dogs and all their belongings, Grandpa G and all of his belongings and Nate and I. I had about 10 inches worth of room in the back seat which I had to share with Abigail, Chloe and my purse. Then we drove Grandpa down to Columbia and spent the next couple days with Nate's family. We had a very yummy Thanksgiving meal. I made squash casserole and pumpkin cookies. And Nate made sauteed green beans. We played games and spent a lot of quality time with everyone, including our adorable niece, Alexa.

This face is priceless.

I really do love this girl!

Everyone worked hard on these decorations!

Heidi, Christiana and me with Grandpa G!

The placecards.

Nate and Alexa!

We also took advantage of the fact that we had the whole family together and took some family pictures...

And here we are! :)

The day after Thanksgiving we packed up all our stuff and the dogs and loaded the car back up. This time, sans Grandpa and his bags, which meant Abby and Beans got the backseat all to themselves and I got to sit up front. Actually, let me make a correction. I got to drive. Down to James Island (Charleston). While Nate got to nap. Wooooo. Hooooo. We spent the next two and a half days camping with my extended family. It was a ton of fun! We had all the essentials. S'mores. Campfires. Bikes. A buffet for every meal including things like brisket, homemade biscuits, oysters and pancakes. A flat screen TV to watch the Clemson v. Carolina game. You know, the necessities.

Watching USC kick Clemson's tail!

This works WAY better than a campfire! And burns marshmallows in about 5 seconds.

Our beautiful rented motorhome.

The James Island County Park is decorated in amazing displays of Christmas lights every year, so we got to see that every time we went out at night. Plus, they have a winter festival and adorable Christmas shops. I got an penguin ornament with our names on it for our tree! (I buy one everywhere we go. I'm not big on themed trees. I like them to be personal and unique. Also, I'm obsessed with penguins. I want one for a pet but Nate keeps telling me no. I have no clue why.)

The trip down to Charleston was great and the perfect way to relax. And it was so nice to see so many family members. Overall, I'd say our Thanksgiving break was pretty amazing. :)

Now, two weeks late, I'm going to end with a list of things for which I am EXTREMELY thankful. I know I have more updating to do, but we have been so blessed that I don't want to go without this.

I am thankful for...
...the love and grace which bas been bestowed on me by my perfect Father.
...my amazing husband, who constantly puts up with me, takes care of me and loves me.
...our two beautiful, adorable, crazy puppies who make sure our lives are never boring.
...the amazing families we both have and the fact that we can be near them and spend so much time with them.
...being given the opportunity to get to know so many amazing children and their families and be a part of their lives.
...finally finishing school and the fact that I was able to go to grad school for free.
...being able to stay in Charlotte and not having to move eight hours away.
...being able to get super cheap flights so we could go visit family we wouldn't have been able to see otherwise.
...all my amazing friends, who, even though we don't talk as much anymore, are always there.
...finding a church home here in Charlotte.


I could add many more items to this list, but it's almost 11:00 and I have to be at school at 7:30 in the morning. AND we have to drive to Columbia late tomorrow. Needless to say, I need sleep if I'm going to function at all. So the rest of the updating will hopefully come very very soon.

Goodnight. :)