Bark in the Park

The week after we got back from our trip to DC, Greg's friend at the Bulls called to let him know that they were having Bark in the Park that week.  We decided to go because when we went 2 years ago, we really enjoyed it.  I mean, our dogs act crazy initially because there are so many other dogs there, but then they get adjusted and end up relaxing.  Last time we went, I didn't pack water and a bowl for them to drink out of, and so we had to buy a bottle of water at the park for the dogs which was not ideal! 

It's actually a pretty cool event, if you have a minor league (or major) baseball team near you, then check out their promotions schedule to see if they do a Bark in the Park.  They had a bunch of local dog daycares, and vets set up with tents and information.  The company that makes the "thundershirt" is actually based in Durham, so they had a booth also.  Penni got a toy from the thundershirt people that she is obsessed with.  Overall, we had a really good time, and it was so nice having this event in April instead of July so that the dogs (and humans) didn't get so hot!

Penni checking out the other dogs

Hershee watching the game- ha!

Here's a family picture

Christmas 2012

Hi!  Greg and I were lucky enough to have a lot of time off at Christmas.  We were gone from Durham for 11 days, and we were able to actually really enjoy time with our families instead of constantly having to worry about leaving for the next place.  We left for Alabama on Friday afternoon before Christmas.

Greg had to work until 3:00 on Friday, and I got home 2 hours before that.  I ended up packing the car, and I am so proud of myself!  Being married to a Barrow has taught me how to pack a car!

The drive was pretty uneventful except for some traffic in Charlotte.  I don't know why, but it always makes me happy when I get a picture of the AL sign as we drive in.  I don't know why I get so excited because we still have to drive a bit get over to Tuscaloosa.  We ended up arriving a little after midnight.

We stayed up talking with my parents until around 2 am.  The next morning, the dogs decided it was time to get up at 6!  So, I got up to let them out, made the coffee and sat down to relax before everyone else got up.  Ben and Alicia came down that morning to do gifts, and it was so good to get to spend some time with them!

My sweet  nephew, Justin, was at Mom and Dad's house.  I absolutely loved being able to spend so much time with Justin while we were in Tuscaloosa.  He is the cutest!

Saturday night, Greg and I were able to go to Birmingham to meet some friends.  I am so glad that we were able to see so many people in such a quick visit.  I am pretty mad at myself for not getting a picture with everyone!  I loved being able to catch up with Mary and Lauren.  I really miss them throughout the year.  

Although I am frustrated with not getting a picture of the entire group on Saturday... I am so glad that I thought to get a picture of Greg and I.  I never ever remember to take pictures when we do things.

We had an extended family Christmas on Sunday with my Mom's sister and her children.  It is so much fun to get together with everyone.  Last year was the first time that we have done that since my grandma died, and it has been really great.  After my cousins and Aunt headed home, we did presents with Mom, Dad, Guy, Andrea, and Justin.  This picture makes me laugh because Greg had just opened a baseball hat and put it on, and Justin was totally checking him out.  So funny!

I don't know about you... but one of my favorite Christmas traditions is watching Christmas Vacation.  

Here's a picture of me sporting my new PJ pants, house shoes, and old lady fleece robe.  

Mom and Greg's Christmas Eve tradition is to watch It's a Wonderful Life.  Dad and I tolerate it.  ha!

Here's a picture of us on Christmas morning.  We were literally about to walk out of the door when Mom made us go pose by the Christmas tree.  Not the best picture, but I'm glad we have it.

Unfortunately there was a pretty significant chance of severe weather on Christmas day.  We had originally planned to drive over to Clanton to do Christmas with Greg's family, and then drive on to Roanoke to stay with Greg's parents for a few days.  Greg's sister decided that we should just postpone the family Christmas until the next day since we didn't know what the weather was going to do.  So, we had to leave Tuscaloosa a little earlier than we had planned and went straight to Roanoke.  

Christmas night we just relaxed with Greg's parents.  We did presents, and then played an intense game of Scrabble.  You can just call me the dog whisperer because somehow I always end up with all the dogs in my lap.  

The day after Christmas we drove over to Clanton to do Christmas with Greg's grandmother, sister, her husband, and kiddos.  Grandmother asked Greg to read her a story from a magazine, and I thought it was too sweet not to snap a picture.  

Linda's dog is a hoot.  She was playing some Christmas music on the piano and he hopped right up there while she was playing.  Too funny!

We left Roanoke on Saturday to go to Atlanta.  I am irritated at myself that I didn't get any pictures of this!  We went by to see Greg's cousins and his aunt and uncle.  It was wonderful to see everyone, and we had a great time catching up with them.  They also made an incredible dinner of shrimp & grits and Brunswick stew.  After we visited with everyone, we headed to the suburbs of Atlanta to stay with our friends for a couple of nights.  We had not seen Brad and Maria in over a year, so we really enjoyed being able to spend time with them before heading home on Monday.  Maria got some pictures with her camera, so hopefully I can add those soon.  

We headed home Monday, and I know that the dogs were so glad to finally get here.  Hershee is a nervous wreck in the car.  She pants the entire time.  Once we arrived home she fell fast asleep and I think if we hadn't moved, she would have slept until today.  Penni is the total opposite of Hershee.  She just lays down and totally relaxes during the drive.  

Overall, I would say that it was a great visit.  I am so glad that we were able to see so many of our friends, and our entire family.  I am thankful for all the time that we got to spend with them.  It was a wonderful Christmas break!  I hope that you guys had a wonderful Christmas too!  Much love!

  

Thanksgiving, part 2 (finally)

Hi everyone!  I have no clue where the time went between December 1 and today.  I never got around to doing my second post about Thanksgiving.  So, here we go.  To refresh your memory... We went to Carolina beach for our Thanksgiving break.  We took the dogs, and rented a beach front condo, and it was absolutely perfect.  We did a ton of relaxing.  We watched football.  We walked on the beach, and we played with the dogs on the beach.  Here are some pictures!

The beach house.  We were in the unit on the bottom right, and we were the only people there!

Sunset the first night we were there- beautiful

Hershee loved chasing the waves as they crashed on the shore.

Penni loved digging in the sand.

Another beautiful sunset.

The morning that we left.  My favorite part of the trip was sitting on the porch taking in the view.

Meeting baby Justin!

Last weekend Greg and I loaded up the car and headed to Knoxville, TN for the weekend!  We were going to meet our new nephew.  Justin was born 5 weeks ago, and we had originally planned to go this weekend, but I had last Friday off so we pushed it up a week.  I was super excited to get my hands on him!

This entry is going to have a ton of pictures... sorry in advance.  BUT it's of an adorable baby, so there shouldn't be an issues with having to look at all the pictures.  :-)

On our way to meet Justin!

This is right when we got there- please excuse my double chin.

So happy to be holding him!

I was so nice.  I even let Greg hold him!  I feel like Justin is looking at him like, "who are you?"

This is one of the gifts I sent Andrea.  It's a Moby wrap.  It is amazing, and if you are having a baby you need to get one!  This is the total inner hippie momma coming out. 

Penni and Hershee didn't quite know what to think!

Andrea and I gave him a bath!

He had to get his Auburn stuff on to cheer for them against LSU!

I stayed right there with him asleep on my chest for 2 hours!  SO sweet!

Greg loved holding him too.

 Watching the Auburn v. LSU game

We had to get him changed over into his Alabama gear!  He had to help us cheer for Alabama against UT

We were all cheering for Alabama!  Roll Tide!

CUTIE!

On our way home.  This is exactly how the car rides go.  Penni is totally calm and laying down, and Hershee is crazy and panting the entire time.  

We loved getting to meet our new nephew!  It's amazing to hold and love on a 4 week old.  He's absolutely adorable, and I am not biased at all.  I can't wait to see him again at Christmas!

Happy Birthday to you!

Greg has his birthday this past weekend (August 28), and I was looking forward to all the surprises that I had planned for him.  I asked him what he wanted to do on his birthday, and he wanted breakfast: pancakes, sausage, turkey bacon, and mimosas.  He reminded me of the mimosa part about 15 times- ha!  Then he really just wanted to take it easy all day.  He decided that he wanted to eat dinner at Chili's (I think it was because we had a coupon- haha).

I was really excited about what I got Greg for his birthday!  He has needed a new golf bag for a while now, but I've never been able to really afford to buy him one.  This year I had saved some 'stash' money, so I could get him a nice bag.  His parents and my parents had sent him presents and cards that I was able to grab before he got them, and so I added them to my hiding place.

I took a lot of pictures, so I'll just post those, and talk about the day as we go.

I got all the presents out of the hiding place while he was in the shower.  

There he is with the golf bag!  He really liked it! 

Greg's dad ordered this hat for him (which he totally loves)

His mom ordered him these BSC alumni tags for his car.

 Well, the first thing he had to do was transfer all his stuff into the new bag.

Mimosas 

 Yes... Greg made the pancakes.  I don't like making pancakes, so I made the mimosas, bacon, and sausage.

 Birthday brunch!

After putting all his clubs in the new bag... He had to go to the driving range. (I love this picture)

Hitting balls at the driving range. 

Dinner at Chili's.  They are doing the color a chili to make a donation to St. Jude's, so we did that. 

Last surprise of the day!  I made Greg a birthday cake which is a pretty big deal because I hate baking. 

Greg and his funfetti birthday cake! 

The dogs clearly had a tough day.  

Happy birthday, Greg!  I love you, and I am so glad that you had a fun and relaxing birthday!  I look forward to spending many many more birthdays with you.