Summer Concerts

Wesley and I hit up two concerts this summer.  First, we saw Gavin DeGraw and Shania Twain in Atlanta.

It was fun, and I still knew the words to her songs all these years later, but dang, she got old!

Ginny and Pops came up and kept the boys for us while we made the trip to Atlanta.

In September, Wesley and I left the boys with Nana and Puddin', and flew to Dallas to see Garth Brooks with my sister and Clark.  It was probably my favorite concert ever!  He's such a great entertainer, and all the music took me back to the 90s.  I think Wesley only knew about 3 songs, but he was a good sport!

We parked and then rode the train into Ft. Worth and I have NEVER IN MY LIFE been so cramped and packed in there.  I have a feeling it bordered on dangerous and violating several fire codes, but it was hilarious and memorable all at the same time. 

Trisha came out.  It just so happened to be her birthday that night and Garth brought her out for everyone to sing happy birthday to her.  She then stayed on stage and sang three or four of her most popular hits.

Thanks, Wesley, for a quick trip to Dallas.  It was so much fun!

Turning FIVE

Being at the end of August, Eli's birthday always coincides with the beginning of a new school year, which is a big time of the year for us, and is the reason I'm just now blogging about his birthday, four months later.  Sorry, bud.

We decorate your room after your fall asleep.  You loved it.  This all stayed up until Halloween I think.

You had to go to school on your birthday, but we took cupcakes and drinks for your friends, and you had a great day!

You also got to be Top Dog that day at school!

For Eli's 5th birthday party, we went back to the church playground that we rented for his 4th birthday party.  This time we did a super hero theme and the kids (and some adults) all came dressed like super heroes.  It was a fun day.  And I didn't forget the forks for the cake this year.  : )

The cake turned out amazing, as usual!

We went with Iron Man because he's your favorite super hero (because he's red and that's your favorite color).

You have several super hero costumes, but went with Iron Man for your party.  Mommy and Landy dressed in our Iron Man t-shirts, and Daddy wore his Super Man shirt.

Nana and Pudidn' (Spiderman Duo) were a big help getting ready for the party.

Ginny, Pops, and Grandma Francie came!

So did Grandmama and Grandaddy.  They'd had knee and back surgeries (respectively), so we weren't sure they'd be able to make the trip, but they did!

Landon had as much fun as anyone else at this party.  He thought he was big stuff!

Girl power!

Juice break with your friend from school, Jack.

Aunt Katie came too, cape and all!

Some of the kids at the party.

This is a special group of kids.  You've all been together since your 3 year old pre-k class.  It's a little different you all not being together for kindergarten, but fun to have the gang back together again!  The moms agreed we're going to recreate this picture when you're all seniors.

Present time.  The kids kept creeping closer and closer!  : )

CAKE!

Such a nut!

Big stuff, remember?  Gets his own drink (or tries...no Sprite for you).

It didn't matter to Landon that I remembered the forks this year.

Turning five was a big deal and so much fun.  You bring us so much joy, Eli Taff.  You're kind, smart, funny, love sports, and are a loyal friend.  We know Jesus will do big things in your life!  You'll always be our Squirmy Bug!

the Iron Bowl

The Iron Bowl this year was in Auburn, and it happened to be Z and Amber's year for Thanksgiving in Dothan, so we were able to have a tailgate with almost the whole family.

We took the boys wagon instead of a stroller ... game changer!  We found a spot in between Samford and Toomers, in the shade of Biggin.  It was perfect:  out of the way, but still prime for people watching.  Eli brought a football, and all the boys enjoying throwing it around.

We packed sandwiches, chips, fruit, and cookies and enjoyed being outside and together!

Landon even caught a brief snooze.

I'm not sure who enjoyed the day more, Eli or Wesley.

Me and my boys at my favorite place!

Landy boy swipped Puddin's hat, a bag of chips, and tried to make a get-a-way.

We sent these four to Tiger Walk and then the game, and Nana, Puddin', Landon, and I headed back to Phenix City to watch the game from the couch.

It was a disappointing loss, 29-13.  We hung in there until the fourth quarter.  War Eagle anyway.  It's still great to be an Auburn Tiger!

Thanksgiving

It's crazy to think how long quickly the holidays went by.  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  It was so much more relaxing this year because we had the whole week off from school, instead of just the immediate days surrounding Thursday.  I felt like we actually go to enjoy it, instead of a "hurry up so we can go" attitude.

We spent Wednesday and Thursday in Elba, and had so much fun.  The weather was great, a little warm even, and while it wasn't so much scarf and boot weather, it was get outside and play weather!

These kids rode in that car until the battery died, and then they'd charge it up and ride again!

Hang on, Abby Grace!

Landy loved going for a ride!

If there's anything Landon loves more than playing outside, it'd be animals.

"Doddies" are his favorite!

Ethan and Abby Grace are going to make such a great big brother and big sister!

We did take a short break from playing outside to come in and eat.  Thanksgiving lunch in Elba is one of my favorite meals all year!  So many yummy dishes!

After a quick bite to eat, it was back outside!

These two had a high-scoring game of football going on.

Aunt KT and the boys.

Mid-afternoon we left Elba and headed to Pansey, where we played more ball in the yard until we got called in for dinner!  I can't think of a better way to spend the day.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His love endures forever.  Psalm 136:1