From Griffin, GA to Columbus, OH

Well, it's been a "few" days since I have had a moment to sit down at the computer. Thanksgiving was a week of activity that had us traveling from the warm south to the chilly north.

Our first Thanksgiving celebration was with our dear friends, the Harwells. They are more than friends, they are adopted family. Jeremy & Karrie have three of the coolest kids. Big Jack, Katherine, and Sam delight Jackson each time we visit. And he is stuffed full of love by the time we leave.

Uncle Jeremy with "Baby" Jack.

Big Jack serenading Uncle Trip.

In addition to the friendships we have with these dear friends, we love going to their house for a visit. They have a charming farmhouse on ACRES of land. So, rather than having to walk sideways in our backyard, Jack can run like a crazy man as far as his little legs will let him. And he did. He played on the swingset, he jumped on the trampoline, he climbed a bale of hay and he even got Sam and Katherine to push him in a cool car around the property. He played so hard. And that night, he slept...HARD.

Sam and Katherine pushing {shoving} Jack all around the yard.

Jack Radtke aka Tom Sawyer

A sweet moment with Katherine. Jack kept reaching his arms up to her to be held.

Tuesday, Jack and I boarded a plane for Columbus. Trip had driven up on Monday. Anybody want to guess who got the better end of that deal? {Ahem.} Ever tried to wrestle a cat? No? Well, imagine traveling with an active 15mo boy on an airplane, seated in a center seat...picturing it? Yeah. Let's just say, by the time we landed I was EXHAUSTED.

But then we were with family and the drama of a flight was a distant memory. Our visit to the Radtke Compound was filled with more playing on ACRES of land.

Ok Mom! Let's go this way!

Guys, did you know that Oma & Opa have a barn?

I'm freezing, but I don't care! This "yard" is awesome!

Friday, while the rest of the world was in a frenzy to find a "Black Friday" deal, Jackson headed to the barber shop. And not just any barber shop. The barber shop where Mr. Tom works. Mr. Tom is a very special person to Trip's family. He has cut the hair and whiskers of Great Grandpa Miller, Great Grandpa Radtke, Opa Radtke, Trip, Uncle Brendan and Uncle Nels. And now, a fourth generation has had the privilege of sitting in Mr. Tom's chair.

The first snips.

Mr. Tom! I don't think you're supposed to spray me. Just my hair!

I'll just have to hold that bottle to make sure I don't get wet again.

Tada!

Or so we thought. Mr. Tom pulled a fast one on Mommy and whipped out the mousse. And have mercy, he gelled my baby's front hairs. My heart did a flip flop, but Jack thought that was the funniest thing...EVER.

Jack's thinkin..."Ok! Now's it's my turn!"

Amidst all the activity and fun, Trip and I stopped to thank God for this past year. We are blessed by our Heavenly Father and are truly thankful each day for what He has entrusted to us. May we never take a day for granted.