Travels & Turkey!

The Barlow Family!!! Thanksgiving 2010

Happy late Thanksgiving! I hope that you & your family had a blessed Thanksgiving.  I hope you were reminded of all that you are thankful for this year.  Jonathan challenged our church congregation to personally thank those that have been a positive influence on our lives & to identify things we are thankful for this year.  There are countless things I am thankful for this year - my husband, my precious baby boy, our dog, our new home & career, our extended families, my wonderful friends, the list could go on....It was evident to me this Thanksgiving that our God is so good.  This time last year we did not know where we'd be living - with Jonathan's resume circulating, what type of work we'd be doing, & that we'd be blessed with Peyton. 
We spent this Thanksgiving with the Barlow family.  We had a wonderful holiday - eating good food, celebrating an early Christmas, shopping on Black Friday (Amanda is a true bargain shopper...I thought I was good, but she puts me to shame!), watching football, & just enjoying one another's company! Here are some pictures of our Thanksgiving -

Thanksgiving Morning

Four Generations of Barlow Boys - Jeremy, Papa Gerald, Peyton, Jonathan, & Papa Rusty

 

Peyton opening his first Christmas gift! Doesn't he seem thrilled?! :) 

Boys Will Be Boys!

This past weekend Nancy & Phil came to visit! We had the BEST time! I LOVE that my family & the Barlows are willing to make the drive to visit, as I know it's long.  Although I don't see my sisters on a weekly basis, we cherish our time together when we can see one another.  We go on long walks/runs, eats out at yummy restaurants, shop together, & stay up late chatting. 
It was a busy weekend! It started out with JB's birthday - his parents & I went in together to get him a Wii.  He was thrilled! Phil & Jonathan stayed up until 1AM PLAYING the WII...boys will be boys! (Nancy & I were in bed long before 1am)

Dinner in Athens! Happy Birthday Jonathan!

 

 

 

We also did Christmas shopping at the outlets.  I am excited about our gifts for the Barlows! Each year we do our Christmas exchange with the family we see at Thanksgiving, so shopping starts early in our household.  We also enjoyed worshiping together at RBC. 
Nancy is expecting a baby BOY April 3rd, so we had the best time talking babies, registries, schedules, future memories with our babies, & how baby boys love their mamas!!! We also laughed at the fact that we grew up in a home primarily with girls, & now are both going to be raising boys... sporting events, farting, burping, constant ESPN...boys will be boys!

Peyton & Baby Boy Boatman already making memories!

 It was a wonderful weekend! Happy Birthday Jonathan & thank you for the visit Boatmans!!!

Peyton asleep on his play yard!

 

 

 

(I just had to add this picture...Peyton played so hard with Aunt Nancy, Uncle Phil, & on his play yard that he fell asleep!!! Our boy is growing!)

Virgina, Kentucky, & Back to Royston!

Peyton & I have returned from our first road trip together! 

Whew - it was exhausting, but WONDERFUL! 

It started with our drive to Virgina to celebrate my Dad's 60th birthday! What fun - 25 family members celebrated Dad's birthday on Saturday.  My heart melted when my Grandmother held Peyton!

The Fraley Family in Appalachia! 

Jonathan had to head back to Royston for Sunday church & a work week. Peyton & I continued our road trip to KY! We had the best time seeing & visiting many, many friends! For those of you we saw - THANK YOU for loving on Peyton, taking time out of your work week to see us, & sharing in the memories of our first trip!

Our Boys! Beth, Noah, Peyton, & Me!

Hanging out at the Yuhas home: Sisters & Ty! 

 

 

After a fun-filled week, Peyton & I rode back to GA with Sarah Gregory and her long-time friend, Jolie.  They were visiting with us & attending a wedding in Atlanta.  We had such a great weekend - walking, laughing, sharing memories, & anticipating futures. As they left, our first visitors from SPDL, Sarah & Charlotte came for Sunday church.  In my opinion, it was the BEST Sunday since attending RBC. I loved my new Sunday School class, Jonathan preached an amazing sermon (he'd be embarrassed knowing I said this, but it's true!), & we had several new couples & families! YEAH!

Sarah, Charlotte, Peyton, & JB! Thanks Girls for visiting!

 

Our Week of Firsts!

Peyton 2 months old!

This week was full of firsts!  The week began Monday morning with Peyton turning 2 months old (& yes Grandmama called to sing Happy Birthday to Peyton).  We had to go get his 2 month shots.  For my friends who are not mommy's yet - it's awful! I had to watch a gigantic needle poke Peyton's tiny leg.  For the rest of the day, I was watching Peyton - for fever, swelling, a rash, etc.  Thankfully, he handled it better than I did!

A second first - Jonathan & I love to "bet" while watching major sporting events.  Jonathan loves watching all kinds of sports & this is a way for me to connect with him.  We always create a March Madness bracket & I have won the past several years - a $20 date, a new dress, etc.  My luck was up - Jonathan & I bet on the World Series, thrilled with the teams playing.  The Giants clinched the series & Jonathan won $30 from my monthly fun money... a first.
Third - I started going to Jazzercise.  When you move to a new town, you will do anything to meet people.  I met a new neighbor, Misty (my age, with a baby!) while Peyton & I were out walking.  I was beyond excited.  She told me about the class & I loved it! Although I looked like a fool, it was a great workout & I met several new people. I will return!
We are ending our "Week of Firsts" with Peyton's first road trip.  We are headed to Virginia today to celebrate my Dad's birthday & for Peyton to meet his great-grandmother.  Wow - I had no idea how much one had to pack for a baby!
Blessings until next time...