I vow to help you love life, to always hold you with tenderness and to have the patience that love demands, to speak when words are needed and to share the silence when they are not and to live within the warmth of your heart and always call it home.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Thanksgiving Weekend 2013

The McHolidays are finally among us! I've been looking forward to this time of year ever since my husband got home. Last year's Thanksgiving didn't produce noteworthy memories at all, so this year I was determined to try to erase that horrible experience as much as possible.

My in-laws came from Oklahoma to stay with us for the week. This was the first time they've seen him in a year because of his deployment. It warmed my heart to see them all reunited. They also brought their two labs so even Zeus had some visitors. We mainly hit the beaches, shopped and just laid around the house. Perfect week to me! The weather was sunny and rainy so they got to see a little bit of both while in Florida. Here are some pictures of our week!

Day 1: They had to see the beach!


Blue skies, clear water

These two <3




Love the beach in all seasons


Then we hit the beach again that evening to see the wonderful sunset







I loved it when they all sat


We had a fire going every night, love!

Everyone wants a spot on Nana's lap



Finally Thanksgiving Day!!


Early morning Selfie, feeling pretty!


Love our furbaby

The hosts!

I asked everyone before dinner was served to run outside for a quick photo op. I love pictures. I love looking back on memories years later. You only regret the photos you don't take.

Trying to calibrate my camera...goofball

McThanksgiving 2013

Had to get the furbabies in one too!


I Love Us.

Kit's first turkey

Proud Chef


We all got to see Kit's deployed brother via FaceTime for TG, special treat

Afterwards we did the obligatory Gray Thursday/Black Friday shopping! Yes we're that family. We had a great time in Wal-Mart, watching the craziness and sharing stories. We all scored some great deals! Then came the goodbyes. The more we say them, the harder they seem to be, but luckily we're seeing you all in less than a month! We're very blessed to have them visit, so glad they got to see our home and spend a week with us!


***Sappy WARNING***


Throughout the whole week I kept looking at my husband and just feeling overwhelmingly grateful. It's truly amazing how one person can change your life. I could tell he felt the same way with all the hugs, kisses and smiles I got this week. Last year we were separated. He spend Thanksgiving with his unit, away from family. I spent TG alone at our empty home. I couldn't even muster enough spirit to cook TG. I was sad, lonely, angry, bitter and probably border-lined depressed. We made it through because honestly, what choice do we really have? That awful experience just made this year's more amazing. I savored every moment. Spared no photos, kisses, touches or "I love you"s. We're so grateful to have spent this year's TG in the company of each other. Next year we may not be so lucky, but this year we made some wonderful memories to hold onto for years.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Seattle WA Trip

Seattle, why Seattle? Well my husband got home in September from his year long deployment, and really wanted to visit his besties in Seattle. We planned on making a quick trip whenever a 4-day weekend rolled around. We'd just returned from a two week stint in Ireland, but saw an opportunity. Veteran's day weekend was approaching and my husband found really cheap tickets....boom, looks like we're doing this! I absolutely love our spontaneity.

Yes it was a tad bit crazy, but this is our time. My husband and I are in our mid 20's, financially stable, great jobs, childless and living on our own. There's no time like now to do these crazy things. In the future we'll be tied down with heavier responsibilities, rug-rats and jobs that may not be so flexible. We'll want to fly home all the time for our children's sake and be more responsible. Now is not that time. So without much hesitation we spent the long weekend in Seattle, WA!

Seattle here we come!

Gum wall

Infamous Public Marker


1st Starbucks


BFsince middle school



We have beautiful friends



Space Needle time!

View from the top




 Next, Freemont Bridge






Freemont Troll

Fall here was visually amazing

Our wonderful hosts!

Olive reunion!

Local brewery time


Day 2, we first had breakfast with my oldest cousin Jade! We'd been raised together, but then moved to Seattle for her job after college. It was so good to see her!



Then we headed for the mountains! My husband and I LOVE the outdoors, and luckily so do our friends!









Reping for Stilly

Made it to the top




















Seattle Skyline before we flew home







We had an amazing time with our best friends. We all went through college together and his best friends quickly became mine. We don't know where we'd be without their friendship today, love you two. Thank you for the best 4-day weekend we've ever had.