4th of July

We were able to drive down to visit Greg's parents over the 4th of July because we found out that Greg's office would be closed on July 4th and 5th.  We were really excited about making this trip because we were finally going to meet our new niece, Molly!  We drove down after Greg got off of work on July 3rd, and it went smoothly.  We actually made really good time and got there before midnight.  Unfortunately, it rained the entire time that we were there!

It was so nice to spend time with Greg's family.  We went and saw a movie, grilled out, Greg and his dad played golf, and we all enjoyed just hanging out.  I was glad that we were able to go to church on Sunday at Ralph's church before we headed home.  Traffic was awful when we were driving home, but I think we both expected that.  I'm so happy that we made the trip down, and I can't wait to see Miss Molly again!

Greg and Molly!  She is the cutest! 

Greg's mom, Molly, and Bailey.  Molly loves her Nana!

We sat in traffic forever on our way home!  I saw this rainbow while we were stuck outside of Greensboro, NC and thought it was pretty.  You can't see it very well, but I was excited about it so I took a picture- ha!

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!

  

Weekend trip home

In July we flew home for a weekend because one of Greg's good friends was getting married, and Greg was a groomsman.  We actually flew into Atlanta and rented a car for the weekend because that was cheaper than actually flying into Birmingham.  We stayed in Tuscaloosa with Mom and dad on Thursday and Friday night, and then Saturday night after the wedding we stayed with my brother and sister-in-law in Birmingham.

We spent Friday hanging out with my Mom, and luckily dad was able to meet us for lunch.  We ate at the new Jim 'n Nicks in Tuscaloosa.  Shocker, I know.  It was pretty good, and really busy.  Friday night we drove up to Birmingham for the rehearsal, dinner, and after rehearsal get together at Pale Eddie's Pour House downtown.  We had a good time, and it was really good to see some old friends.

Greg and I at the after rehearsal get together

Saturday was a little crazier.  Greg got up and went to Birmingham early to hit golf balls with the guys, and then they had lunch before they started getting ready for pictures.  I didn't want to go up there and be stuck with not much to do all day, so I stayed in Tuscaloosa with Mom.  We went shopping and got a manicure and pedicure.  It was a really good morning/afternoon.  After we got home, I rushed around getting ready for the wedding.  I drove up to Birmingham to my brother's house and dropped the car off, and he took me over to the church for the wedding so that Greg and I would only have one car.

The wedding was beautiful.  It was in an adorable Episcopal church downtown.  After the wedding, we all headed to the Vulcan Museum for the reception.  I had actually never been to Vulcan, so I was pretty excited to check it out, and see the views of downtown Birmingham.  It was so pretty!  We had a really good time!  I got Greg to dance with me a few times!  We ended up seeing a lot more friends at the reception, so it was really good being able to catch up with them.

Brian and Carson during the ceremony 

Greg and I at the wedding reception 

Brian and Carson's first dance

Sunday morning Mom and Dad drove up to my brother's house because we were all going to go have brunch at Another Broken Egg in Mountain Brook.  We got there around 11, and luckily only had to wait about 20 minutes.  It was DELICIOUS!  I'm so glad that we were able to get together with the entire family!

Mom and Dad at brunch 

Guy and Andrea at brunch

Ben and Alicia at brunch

 Greg and I at brunch

Overall, it was a crazy busy weekend, but I am so glad that we went!  It was really great seeing friends that we haven't seen since our wedding, and of course it was great to see my parents, siblings, and my nephew.

Here is Justin holding the book that Greg and I got for him.  I seriously cannot believe that he is going to be one this week!  It's amazing how time flies when you have little ones in your life.  I am looking forward to going through it all again starting in late January when Greg's sister has her little girl!  We are looking forward to become Aunt and Uncle again!  I can't wait to begin spoiling my newest niece!

Going home: Tuscaloosa edition

I made a last minute trip home to Alabama back in May.  The family that I nanny for was going to be gone for a week, and Mom was missing me (and wouldn't come to Durham)... So, I decided to go home for a few days.  It was a relatively short trip, Saturday-Wednesday, but it was certainly nice to see my family.

I had a pretty long layover in ATL, but it was actually a nice change from having to run to catch my next flight.  I enjoyed being able to get breakfast, and do some people watching.

I coordinated a family get together while I was home.  We met at one of my favorite restaurants, Jim 'n Nick's in Hoover.  To my surprise, everyone was actually able to make it.  Having everyone there certainly made it more fun, although we did all miss Greg.  I got to spend some time with my nephew, Justin.  He actually got to chew on his first rib bone!

Okay, so Jim 'N Nick's is actually Greg's favorite restaurant.  He was extremely jealous that we went to eat there without him.   

Here is me and sweet Justin.  I really enjoyed getting to spend some time with him! 

This is Alicia, Ben, me, Guy, Andrea, and Justin.  It's always great to get a picture of all of us together.

I also got to have dinner with my sweet friend, Mary.  Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture together.  It was one of the highlights of my trip home.  One of the hardest things about living so far away is that you don't get the opportunity to see you good friends on a regular basis.  I am always missing Mary, so it was especially nice to get together with her for dinner.

Mom, Dad and I went out to dinner at my all time favorite restaurant in Tuscaloosa.  I absolutely love Depalmas.  I think the food is really good, and I love it's charm.

It's so cute!  I wish I had some pictures of the inside to show you.

I got one of the specials, and it was so good!  

Like always, it was really good to go home and see my family.  I wish that I could do it more often, and that Greg had been able to join me for this trip.  I was so glad to see my parents, siblings, and Mary!  We will be heading back to AL in a few weeks for a wedding, and maybe we will be able to see a few more people during that visit!

Fisher Christmas!

Okay, so I had plans to be this great blogger in the new year and I have already failed.  HA!  I haven't even posted about Christmas with my side of the family.  Here's a quick (or not so quick) recap:

We headed to Tuscaloosa on Christmas Eve afternoon.  We made it to my parent's house in time to rest for about an hour, and then head to church with Mom and Dad.  It was a really nice, relaxing way to spend Christmas eve, and it was topped off by Mom and Greg's tradition of watching It's a Wonderful Life.

The great part about not having kids yet is that you get to sleep in on Christmas!  We slept in, and I prepared a lasagna for Christmas dinner.  My brother, his wife, and my nephew drove down Christmas afternoon.  Once again, we all took it easy!  My grandmother came over for dinner, and we all had a really nice time!  She opened her presents from everyone, and we had good food (except for the burned bread- I swear it's hereditary).

The day after Christmas was our big to-do!  I got up early because I was doing most of the cooking.  Once I got up and started the coffee, I realized that Mom hadn't put the turkey in yet!  We had a good laugh about it, and I cooked muffins and started on all the side dishes.  My other brother and his girlfriend got there, and then my aunt, my two cousins, and my cousin's fiance.  It was certainly a house full of people!  We had so much fun opening presents and joking around.

I had arranged for a photographer to come and take some family portraits for Mom's gift from Greg and me.  She stood me up, and wouldn't return any of my phone calls.  I was disappointed because I had this session set up since September!  I was also disappointed because the photographer was supposedly a family friend.  If you live in the Tuscaloosa area, I encourage you to avoid using Kim Murphy Photography if at all possible.  She is unreliable and unreachable, and she certainly doesn't respect her clients.

It all ended up working out because we just had each other take some pictures, and we got some cute ones.  It was a really nice visit home.  Amazingly enough, no one got in a fight and we all left still liking each other- HA!!!  Here are some pictures:

The star of Christmas 2011! 

Dad loves that sweet baby! 

My aunt and cousins- I'm so glad that they were able to come! 

The whole family! 

With my brothers- so glad we made it through without a fight.  ha! 

The Barrow family!

Barrow Christmas!

Greg and I have a set plan of how we divide up spending time with our families over Christmas.  We will do up to Christmas eve with one family, Christmas eve night to whenever we go home with the other family.  We rotate every year.  We feel like it is important to be able to spend time with both our families, and we try to make it very fair so that no one gets their feelings hurt.  Living so far from our families can be a blessing, but it can also be a curse when it comes to holidays.  Luckily, I was able to take a few days off, and then I had the whole week between Christmas and New Years off.  We were able to spend a really good amount of time with family.  It was much needed!

Our Christmas vacation began on Tuesday, December 20 when I got off of work.  We decided to make the drive to Alabama that night.  It's just so much easier to get there at night when there is barely any traffic, and Greg was able to take a pretty big nap that afternoon so that he could drive.  We made great time and arrived at Greg's parent's house in Childersburg, AL about 1:15!  I was so excited to be there!

Greg's mom had to work a half day on Wednesday, but we were able to catch up on rest that morning.  We enjoyed spending Wednesday just hanging out around the house!  Thursday we spent with just Greg's parents.  We went to see Sherlock Holmes 2 (which was fantastic), did a little shopping, and then we had to eat at Greg's favorite bar-b-que place (Jim 'n Nicks).  It was a wonderful day with the in-laws.

Friday afternoon Greg's sister, her husband, and their kids came over.  It was SO good to see them!  It had been too long!  We also did presents with everyone that night, and we ended out the day playing Scattergories with the adults, which always provides lots of laughs!

I am so proud of myself for actually taking pictures this year!  Here are a few of my favorites from Christmas with the Barrows:

We got Tanner a Transformers action figure 

We actually bought this box at the Thrift Store and made it into a jewelry box for Kayleigh. 

We made a bunch of sweet treats for Nathan! 

Greg made this dry erase calendar for Liz! 

We didn't get this for Liz, but I absolutely love this picture of her!  She was SO excited! 

We collected those sea shells while on our Thanksgiving vacation for Linda- she loves shells 

This could be my favorite picture from our Christmas trip.  HA!  We made coasters for Ralph and he was super excited.   

Greg got a drill and tool kit.  He and Tanner were clearly having a deep discussion about the tools. 

Merry Christmas, part 1!