A Very Pandemic Thanksgiving

 Since this year has been such a mess and totally out of the ordinary, we designed our Thanksgiving to be the same way.  We weren't going to have any visitors, just us so it didn't matter what we made for dinner.  Everyone chose something to make and it was a cluster.  We had fun despite the lack of family.

Grady wanted wings so he made several kinds.

Josh made lobster mac and cheese

Of course there was green bean casserole and we cooked a few turkey breasts.

Myles made a pumpkin pie cheesecake

The next morning we all made homemade bagles.

I made a Grinch cocktail.  No booze for the kids but plenty for Josh and I.

Emma set her own table.  Complete with a croc and the bible.  We are all covered.

Gramma and Grandpa Visit

 We could finally visit with family!!  Gramma and Grandpa came to see us after way too long.  COVID sure has been hard in so many ways but not seeing family is the worst.

Waiting for G & G to arrive

Finishing some school work

Emma got a lot of makeup for her birthday

and I got a makeover.....

She dressed up

Gramma and Emma made a cake for her birthday

Fire and sprinkles. Two of Em's favorite things.

Birthday at Dollywood

 Since Emma couldn't have a party for her birthday she chose to go to Dollywood for a birthday trip.  We book a few nights at Dreammore, Dolly Parton's hotel.  It was an awesome place to stay and right next to the park.  We spent the entire day and night at Dollywood and had a blast.  

It was more crowded that we would have liked at 50% capacity but we managed to stay safe.  They were cleaning like crazy and trying to keep it covid friendly.  Overall, they were doing a pretty good job.  It was a perfect birthday for Emma.

The resort was decorated for Christmas and it was beautiful

Taking the trolley to the park

Grady was a good sport riding the baby rides with emma

He was dying on the inside

Our favorite ride

Emma realizing that the baby rides are not that fun anymore

This crazy guy was at the controls

Em did not get the horse she wanted.

She rode like this the entire time while I cracked up

The boys and I went back at night.  The park was lit up for Christmas.  It was fantasic

Compare this photo with the one below.  Look how big they have gotten.  The bottom pic is from Emma's second birthday, also at Dollywood.

Emma's 8th Birthday

Girl, what can I say about you.  You continue to be the most powerful human being that I have even met.  You are fierce and funny.  You keep me on my toes and test my patience daily.  I wouldn't want you any other way.   

Happy 8th Birthday

A doll from Gramma and Grandpa

She's been dying for a Nintendo Switch.  Myles helped her set it up

She also asked for a skateboard

Ready to go

Playing some Nintendo

Sachi says "happy birthday"

She wanted to go to Moe's for her birthday dinner

Myles made her the most awesome cake

Look at that unicorn

Making a wish

I let her do my makeup

Did I mention that she LOVES makeup?

Doing her nails.