AWESOME weekend in North Georgia

We realized recently we have never really had a "vacation" just the 4 of us. We always have grandparents with us. Although we really do love that, as a last minute treat, we decided to take the kids to north Georgia just the 4 of us (before we become 5). We didn't decide to go until Thursday, and it was probably the best trip we have ever had. All of us had an awesome time.

Foam Factory
We spent the night in the northern part of Atlanta (so we could be up and at it early Saturday). Allan found a really fun place online for us to visit... the Foam Factory. It was part of an adventure place (with arcade, go carts, rides, etc). There were 3 stories filled with foam balls and all types of ways to shoot them, dump them, and basically aim at your mom!

You notice from this picture that my sweet darling husband is aiming right at me... and yes, he hit his target!
B.J. Reese Apple Orchard
The next day, we hit B.J. Reese in Ellijay, Georgia. We went to this same apple orchard last year, and we knew we would love to go back. In addition to picking our own apples, there were apple cannons and LOTS of apple snacks. We ate apple donuts, fritters, fried pies, and apple sticks. We brought home the best apple cider.

The Steps
We went to a nearby state park for a picnic, not knowing the fun we would find there. There was a gorgeous waterfall you could drive to the top of. Abigail and I stayed at the top (smart thinking) while Allan and A.J. took the steps to the bottom (and back up again). However, the sign was misleading.... that number only gets you to the cross bridge. Add almost 200 more and you really get to the bottom! Poor guys.

View from the bottom:
View from the top:
Before the walk:
After the walk:
Pumpkin Patch
As our last stop of the day, we found the largest pumpkin patch we had ever seen. There were thousands of people there and probably enough pumpkins for everyone to have a dozen. It was amazing. And just think... we had all this done by 1:00!

A.J.'s School Play

This past week (as a way to lure parents to the PTO meeting), the second graders at A.J.'s school put on a musical called "Celebrate You and Me." A.J. had a speaking part and always does a great job! Here are some pictures from the night.

Date is Set

The doctor's office gave me my c-section date today: Tuesday, December 15... 7:30 a.m. Of course, you know you can't tell a baby when to come, but it is nice to have a date to plan towards! Less than 2 months to go!

RA Soapbox Derby

Yesterday was the annual R.A. Soapbox Derby in Montgomery. The boys had a lot of fun, but us girls.... froze. It was very cold and the wind was piercing. All we could find were some baby blankets that were in my trunk (because we got them out of the attic the weekend before at my parent's house). Here are some pictures from the day.

Abigail was eating some hot french fries, and she didn't want them to get cold... so she hid under the blanket to eat them!

Sleeping Beauty

When Abigail came home from dance this week, she was pooped. I always post pictures of her sleeping because she seems to fall asleep in the most random places. Although this is not a random place... you must notice something new... NO THUMB!

Thankfulness

I have been doing some research for a class I am teaching at work on gratitude. I came across this video and decided it was great to share!

Since Abigail's friend party was during the week, our family came in town on the weekend for our family party. She picked Abby Cadabby as her "theme." It was the first time we have done a character theme, but I think it turned out great. Here are some pictures from the day. (And I apologize to the family not pictured... I just didn't take enough pictures).

School Birthday Party

We had a"friend" party for Abigail with her friend Anna (whose birthday was a few days before Abigail's). All of the kids in their class were invited to stay after school for pizza, cookies, and presents! It was a "Cookie Party," and the kids decorated their own cookies. They had a lot of fun... but I must apologize to all the moms for the icing that was in their hair and on their clothes!

Picture Day

After buying 4 dresses... Abigail and I FINALLY agreed on a dress for picture day. I think I may have a slight bit of a "Diva" on my hands. Here is our agreement: