HAPPINESS IS: FAMILY

Showing posts with label FAMILY. Show all posts

Since when did a Low Country Boil have anything to do with Thanksgiving? ... Since the Hughes Fam turned it into simple reminder of the Thanksgiving story. We said a simple prayer of thanks as we added each ingredient:

The salty water in the pot reminds us of the Pilgrim's long journey in the Atlantic. We are thankful that they made it to dry land!
The potatoes remind us of the hard work of the Pilgrims, even the children who had to help tend the gardens so they could have food to eat. We are thankful that they didn't give up!
The corn reminds us of the Indians who helped the Pilgrims learn how to live on the new land. We are thankful for their friendly help!
The seafood reminds us, again, of the many days at sea. We are thankful for the food God provided!

Christmas Traditions Start Early

The Hughes Fam has started with the Christmas spirit a bit early this year, and if I'm being totally honest, every year since moving to Texas. Hey, when you live in a retail space like we do, you tend to follow the retail calendar. So that means in a few weeks we'll be decorating for Easter ... I digress.

Our family decorated the home for Christmas in early November. Mom, Dad, and the kids hung ornaments on the tree.
We took a family trip to Target to check out more holiday decor for our house, and even had special holiday hot cocoa from Starbucks!
We made a family holiday calendar to plan out special holiday events. Daddy and Daughter are going to the Nutcracker Ballet. Dad and Avery are going to a Rockets game. Chris and Em are having a special holiday date. We've even penciled in shopping dates!
Friday nights = Christmas Movie nights.
Chris breaks out the guitar and we sing Christmas carols

Some upcoming events as the holiday draws near ...

We will take the kids to Macy's to mail their letters to Santa.
We will drive around to check out Christmas lights.
We also want to teach our kids to think outside the family when it comes to celebrating the holidays, so this year we are planning a visit to a nurisng home.
Christmas Day is s special and relaxing day for us. We spend it at home, playing with each other and new toys.
Christmas night is movie night! We bundle up and take the kids to the theater to see a family friendly flick.

Our family loves the holidays, but what we love most is the time we spend with each other. And that is why we intentionally protect family time at the "Most Wonderful (and busy) Time of the Year!"

Early Morning Riser

Today I have a funny story about Avery. No picture this time ... he was up way too early for that!

It was 4:45 am, and I heard the TV downstairs. When I came to my senses and stumbled down the stairs (picture big, messy hair and walking like a drunkard) I found Avery settling into the big leather chair, feet covered with a blanket, with remote in hand. I looked at the clock and couldn't believe that he decided to start the day at 4:45!!!
"Avery, its way too early, honey! What are you doing up?" mumbled a very tired mom.
"Well, I wet my bed so I took a bath, put on new pajamas, had some goldfish for a snack, and now I'm going to watch some TV," he said with a big bright smile.
I took his hand and led him to the clock on the microwave in our kitchen. Luckily, he knows how to tell time, and understands that 4:45 is usually a time to be all tucked in bed. So, to bed he went.
I don't know if he actually fell back asleep. I marched myself back upstairs and plopped back down on my pillow. Of course I had to step over Mary Hannah who was asleep on my floor. Why? I don't know ...

Think I'm going to go to bed really early tonight!

Not Just Another Disney Trip!

Patiently waiting to see a princess

Aurora is one of MH's faves.

The Fall decor was so pretty

Surprise! Its a character dinner with Pooh and Friends. They were excited.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

The kids loved spending time with Uncle Dave and Tia who made a surprise visit!

MH was surprised to dine with the princesses

Uncle Dave and Em ... long time no see!

An ode to awkward years

Dave always wanted a pony. Hahaha!

Em and Rach

The Pizza in Italy was my favorite food of the trip. Imported from Naples. YUM-O!

American Idol Experience @Hollywood Studios

The kids LOVED watching Daddy perform!

So, Chris was the winner for the American Idol Experience Finale!

EPCOT fireworks from inside the new Mexican restaurant. The music for the show is piped into the place! Cool!

New Things

Not too long ago we got rid of Chris' truck and happened upon this gem. She's showing her age a little, but so is everyone born that year ... unless of course they've had a little help =) This ol' gal is scheduled for a little makeover. But until then we like her just the way she is.

I call it Ol' Blue. Its a 1969 Ford Fairlane and a massive macho boost for my husband.

He has always wanted to drive an old car. 1969 kind of old ... the not 1984 kind, ya know? Our family has enjoyed rollin' with the windows down (cause the air only kind of works). The Fall breeze has beckoned us. We respond with a trip in Ol' Blue.