We had a feast

Ryan's parents came into town and left too soon. There was no delay in there grandchildren remembering them, the same thing happens when my mom comes too. I could not help but wish we were closer to family. It really makes my heart ache. Especially for my kids.

Yes, Grandma left the digital thermometer in the turkey while in the oven, Grandpa said he appreciates no matter what Subway Sandwich you go to, even in Louisville, you always can be greeted by nice Indian people, we half-way made it to the zoo before a rainstorm hit, I took them on a very long (out-of-the-way-yes-I-know-where-I'm-going (not) ) scenic drive, we had Grandpa's true Wednesday Birthday Dinner at Marks Feed Shack (where I had the best BBQ hamburger I have had in my life, oh and the Buttermilk Crunch Pie sundae in the cup for sure is worth every bite). We watched Evan Almighty, had a very official "Lighting Ceremony" for our house Christmas lights, the kids stayed up way too late every night. We trekked to cut down our own Christmas Tree and they helped us set it up and then we had to take them to Graetar's Ice Cream. And before we knew it, they were gone. But, we think it should be a requirement to come back next year for Thanksgiving. It's our new tradition.

Don't miss it!

Go here (my cute little sister) to enter her Pay It Forward contest. She's sending out her favorite things! (Did I mention she is one of my favorite things?) I bet her favorite things will be a treat to get.

Thanks

Landon's walking almost everywhere, Emma thinks her feeted zip-up jammies are one large "pocket"- she zips notebooks and babydolls and sippy cups away to be slept with all night, Ryan's 32nd birthday was met and ended with all his family calling to talk, I've about nailed down the plan of attack for my new "party girl" calling, Tanner still makes me smile with his toothless "evey" (even) sentences, the family reunion postcards are about in the mail (check out my moms blog for the proof), and I've watched friends here care for another- seeing endless glimpses of love and service, encouraging me to be better. A Harvest House indeed.

Happy Birthday Ryan

I am so glad that this smiling picture of you

is still exactly who you are today.

Almost always happy and optimistic, and surely the favorite parent in our home. That's okay, you're still my favorite too.

Happy 35th Birthday!

(okay, 32nd)
xo