After Shelby's wedding weekend, Kyndall and I came back to Tennessee for about ten days before heading back down to Tallahassee again for another exciting weekend full of fun. Once again poor Matthew had to stay behind and work, which makes me sad but I am thankful that these days I feel well enough to make the ten hour trip alone and don't have to miss out on things just because he's tied down with work. Feel sorry for him if you wish, but just know that his time is coming and he will have about 14 straight days off at Christmas!
Our main reason for traveling back home to Tallahassee was because I was hosting a baby shower for my cousin Carrie with my Mom and my sister. I went down a few days prior to the shower so that we could squeeze in a few extra fun activities while we were there.
......Like playing with my adorable nephew
And enjoying the simple pleasures that we miss so much, like a trip to Publix complete with a free cookie and complimentary pink balloon. PLEASE come to Jackson, Publix!!
We visited my friend Georgeanna who is patiently waiting on her liver transplant. We've been friends for more than 25 years and had no idea our lives would someday take a similar path. We know her miracle is coming soon, but it's hard to watch her in the suffering as she waits. I've said it before but I truly believe the whole process is much harder on the friends and family than on the patient because you just feel so helpless. Hang in there, G!
Later that night we hit up the North Florida Fair, which is something I look forward to every single year! I'm pretty sure we've taken Kyndall each year since she's been born with the exception of last year because I was not cleared for travel yet. It's the highlight of Fall for me!
"Awwwww.....can we buy him??"
This baby goat was ONE HOUR old! Again...."awwww....can we have him??"
Attack of the hungry goats!!!
This thing......
Yes, those are his (her??) TEETH sticking out!
A little scared to turn away for fear it may bite!
Kyndall has been chosen for the pig race every single year and this year was no exception!
Her pig has won first place every single year....until now. Boo for lazy pigs!
Aunt Kelly definitely gets the prize for "most fun aunt" because she was willing to ride anything and everything Kyndall wanted to. She's always been the more adventurous sister. I am happy to watch, selecting my rides a little more carefully!
Wyatt??
I love bumper cars but they are no longer allowed....Aunt Kelly to the rescue again!
Nonie and Kyndall on the slide
The first of two ferris wheel rides. Nonie HATES the ferris wheel....
But it's mine and Kyndall's favorite ride!
We need another stuffed animal like we need a hole in our head, but she was proud
Finally, the REAL reason I even come to the fair...the FOOD!
Kyndall's first time trying a funnel cake
Walking through the fun house
By this time it was way past this boy's bedtime but he hung on!
Finally, the BIG ferris wheel!
One of these people were terrified.....
.....As was one of these.....
Missionaries were passing out balloon animals and gospel bead bracelets....Love that!
At the end of the night they talked me into riding this awful ride. It'll be fun, they said......
Pretty sure this was the exact moment that my neck snapped like a twig....
This is my "never again" face.
And this is my "I feel like my spine has been rearranged" face.
And that's Kelly's "muahahahaha" face.
Did I mention it was a kiddie ride??
Our final ride of the night was much more my speed
As we were walking to the car Kyndall looked up and said "this was the best day EVER!" I said "just wait until you go to Disney World in a few weeks"......to which she gave me an astonished look and said "You mean it will be better than THIS??" Oh yes, my dear.....one thousand times better!
Saturday was all about Carrie and baby Jackson! The shower was held at my sister's house and Carrie had lots of sweet friends and family stop by.
(Thanks to Sydney for allowing me to borrow these pictures since I was too busy hosting to take any of my own!)
Hostesses with the Mommy-to-be
Cousins
Kelly, Carrie, AA and Katie
(I'm the oldest and still the shortest. Story of my life)
Sydney will (hopefully) soon be a cousin as well!
We can't wait to meet baby Jackson in just a few more weeks! Granddaddy would be so proud to be welcoming his 4th Great Grandson into the family.
Speaking of Granddaddy, the next morning we drove over to Two Egg to attend a very special Veteran's Day service at my Grandparents' church in which my late Granddaddy was honored. My Granddaddy poured his life into this little church and the people in it for many, many, many years. When he passed away two years ago, the members decided they wanted to do something very special to honor him. It was decided that a flag pole would be dedicated to him because if you knew my Granddaddy, you knew that aside from Jesus and his family, his third love was this great country. He loved sharing stories from his Army days and was a proud veteran. Nothing could be more appropriate to honor him than a beautiful flag flying above the church that he so dearly loved.
Bryce, Kyndall and Garrison (plus another little one) helped lead the pledge of allegiance after the flags were brought in. Kyndall must have been so overcome with emotion that she forgot to place her hand over her heart. Oops!
The service was very sweet and meant a lot to our family. Many people stood up and spoke of their love for our Granddaddy and of his love for his family and his church. Even if you had never known my Granddaddy, you would have left this service feeling like you did. It was just perfect.
Unfortunately it was a cold and rainy day and the plans of gathering around the new flag pole and raising the flag had to be scratched. Instead, they carefully unfolded the flag as the trumpet played from the back of the church.
This is how Wyatt felt about having his picture taken
I wanted a picture of our entire family gathered around the flag pole but the monsoon ruined those plans. Instead I had to settle for this picture taken quickly out the window of the car during the downpour as we drove away.....
After church we gathered back at my Grandma's house for a little while so that the cousins could spend some time together. I wish we were able to see them more often because they always have so much fun together. Granddaddy would love seeing them like this!
Born just 6 days apart, Kyndall and Garrison are quite the pair!
I'd like to say that the rest of our weekend was just as fun as the previous few days but unfortunately during all of our socializing we caught an awful stomach bug. Actually, it swept our entire family that weekend and ended with me and Kyndall. We made it back home before the WORST of it, thank goodness. Kyndall ended up missing an entire week of school, dance and piano and then kindly passed it on to Matthew on the day of our annual family Christmas card pictures! We are all well now and have finally rested up from all of our travels!
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