Callen and Crew

Thanksgiving Recap

Sorry for the delay in posting this week. We have been decorating the house as well as doing all the other activities to get ready for Christmas. Any time Callen is napping, I am baking cookies, crafting a wreath for the front door, or just picking up the mess I (not Cal) has made throughout the house! And when Cal is awake, I have tried to just live in the moment and play, play, play!

Last week I wanted to post on Callen at 4 months, so I wasn't able to give a recap on his first Turkey Day. I have a few minutes now, so here goes...

We had my family over Thursday morning before leaving for Atlanta to spend 3 days with Doug's dad's side of the family. We didn't do anything special with my family...just had a drop in as people were able to make it before needing to get to other gatherings with their extended families. My siblings and I always have a great time when we get together. Lots of laughing, telling of funny family stories, and making of new memories. Even though we all live so close, we don't get together as a family as often as people would think. Callen has definitely brought us all closer, and allowed for more reasons to come together. So very thankful for all their love, laughter, and support.

After my family get together, we loaded up (lots of stuff!!!), and headed to Atlanta. Doug's dad, step mom (Linda), brother, grandmother, and aunt were all waiting for us. Callen was also able to meet some extended family...Linda's extended family. It was a big crowd, but so wonderful to watch everyone interact with Callen. Those meeting him for the first time just wanted to hold him and love on him. The others were amazed at how much he had grown and what all he was able to do since the last time they had seen him.

We just hung out Thursday night and watched a movie and visited. Doug's family has the tradition of going hiking on Friday instead of getting in all the Black Friday madness (thank goodness! I can't stand shopping, especially in large crowds in order to save $5). We usually go to the North Georgia mountains about 2 hours away. This year we hiked around Cumming, GA, the town where Doug's grandmother lives. We wanted to be close to her so we could get back to her house sooner, and allow her more time to spend with Callen. Also, the hiking was a lot easier, allowing everyone to go. It was a great hike, and extra fun that everyone was able to go with us. Callen enjoyed his hike and Uncle Dave carrying him. After hiking, we took Callen on the slide at the playground. He was in love! I am excited for the spring and warmer weather. He is going to have so much fun at the local parks. I may have to take home 2 crying boys at the end of the day...Callen and his daddy!

We came back Saturday in time to watch the Clemson/USC game. Enough said there! Luckily Callen slept through the entire game. Sunday, my family got back together and had our Thanksgiving meal.

It was a wonderful few days spending time with family. We are so thankful every year for our blessings, but this year we are especially thankful. Thankful for a happy and healthy baby boy, thankful for wonderful family and friends who have helped and supported us along the way, and thankful for every opportunity we have to spend with all those who are special to us.