Thanksgiving and the day after

Thanksgiving this year was not spent at the James's household eating orange salad and lots of other Joyce goodies. Instead, it was spend mostly at the TAMU campus tailgating before the A&M vs t.u. football game.

All of us (Austin, Abby, Tracy and I) went out to tailgate around noon with everyone. Each person brought a holiday dish. We shared our Thanksgiving dinner with the Pucketts, the Fosters, the Puryears, the Beyers, the Schooley/Emerson clan, Kevin, Eddie and others. After we finished dinner the Abbster and I went home so she could relax and take a nap. Tracy and Austin stayed and then went to the game (which we did pretty good in). Abby and I went with the Crocker Garza clan to see the Christmas lights at Central Park. We put Abby in the wagon for the first time and she was not a fan :(.

She got used to it, but tried to get out several times along the way.

I went to bed early that night and then the next morning I got up at 3 a.m. to SHOP!!!!!!!!!! I absolutely love going out shopping the day after Thanksgiving. It is something I have been doing since I was about 4 or 5. It started at Goudchaux's and cracker jacks with mom and now has turned into Sarah and I's tradition. Crockpot joined in this year and we shopped until we dropped. I was home by about noon and talked Tracy and Austin into Casa Ole (hey) for lunch. That afternoon/evening we decorated the tree and house before Austin left the next day.

Our tree we have is the same tree that we used while I was growing up. I believe my parents got it when I was 2 so it is a pretty old tree, but still looks good!

Around the World in a Day!

For the past 2 years, one of our friends has organized a World Fest here in town bringing together many different cultures from around the world. We haven't been able to go in the past, but this year we made the trek out to Wolf Pen to attend the festivities.

I cannot wait until Abby is a little older because she will love all the different activities they have for kids. We had gyros and brats (I know..interesting combo)! They were super yummy.

However...even with all the entertainment, Abby's favorite part was the live camels they had here. She just got a huge kick out of them. She blew bubbles to them and each time she went to pet them she giggled uncontrollably.

Day at the Park

This past Tuesday was a much needed day off for me. With Jamie gone to Las Vegas and Grammy Joyce bowling, someone needed to watch Abby and I happily volunteered :). It was kind of a bad day and I knew I would want some alone time. Tuesday, November 3rd, was the 4th anniversary of my mom's death...and while I should be over it, I always seem to cry at some point during the day. So, it was good for me to be off.

Abby and I started off the day with some snuggling and playing. Then we went and looked at a couple of preschools and then nap time for the Abbster while I worked out, did laundry and took a shower. We then ran some errands and then came back for more naps. After naps we went to the play park at the front of our subdivison. It was about the time Tracy got off work and he met us out there. I put her on the slide for the first time by herself and she loved it. We even did the swings for awhile and she didn't even cry! I think the park will become one of our favorite places.

She's a maniac, maniac on the floor....

For Halloween this year, we went to a fall festival at Grace Bible Church. They had tons of booths and games and of course people dressed up for the festivities. Abby was an 80's exercise chick...think Flashdance. She looked so adorable in her off the shoulder sweatshirt and leg warmers. She definitely didn't know what to think about everyone being dressed up. We met up with Dora and Boots (Ashley and Luke Harris) and saw several other friends while we were there.

For Halloween evening we stayed home because Abby was having some teething issues. She helped to greet the trick or treaters. I couldn't believe how many parents were trick or treating with their under 1 year olds and asking for candy! I couldn't believe it. It is fine to go around with your little child, but until they can eat the food or unless they have an older sibling trick or treating then don't bring your teeny tiny out trick or treating. It just looks silly.

I am ready for next year when the Abbster is older for this. When I get off my lazy bottom I will upload some more pictures.