Baylie's First Middle School Chorus Concert

Baylie decided to take chorus this year and she's loved it. We were grateful that they were able to put on a concert. It is the first one in two years.

Her choir sounded so good. We were impressed with their ability to harmonize and maintain their parts. It was really beautiful.

She wants to keep taking choir, but she has to take P.E. next semester. 

Hanukkah, Saluda Shoals & Lights On Lake Murray

I always like to celebrate Hanukkah with my kids by lighting the menorah each day.

We also make latkes.

It was fun to share this with my dad, especially because his mom - my Granny - loved the Jewish culture.

While Grammy and Granddad were here, we went to see the lights on the river at Saluda Shoals. I dressed up again.

It's always an amazing show. 

This year, it had gone up to $25. It was only $5 when we first moved here and has gone up almost every year. This year the rides were free, so that made the increase worth it.

Tubing

Hay ride - it was sooooooo cold

Walking on the boardwalk

Making s'mores

We were so sad to have Grammy and Grandad go home. Our main consolation is that they'll be back in January for Jalen's ordination.

A few days later, we got a call from the Rutherfords, inviting us to see the boat parade at Lake Murray. We had never heard of it. I wish Grammy and Grandad could have been there for it. It was so fun. The Rutherfords live in a beautiful home with a boat dock and we just walked right onto their pontoon boat.

The water and sky were amazing.

Madilyn, Hamilton, Jalen - Hamilton is one of Jalen's best friends.

Madilyn, Antoinette and Carolyn

The boats are all decorated and lit up and they drive around in circles for everyone to see. Some of them went all out!

They ended the evening with a fireworks show. So cool!

It was a great kick off for the Christmas season.

Soda City Market - Thanksgiving

 My parents love to go to Soda City Market. Dad had purchased some cane toppers there and was grateful to find the same vendor there this time.

I wore my holiday best. 

I was surprised not more people were dressed up, but I did find one kindred spirit.

We had a wheelchair for Grammy, which was a huge blessing. She was very tired from our trip and there's no way she could have walked the market.

Dad liked this golf ball holder. I think he may make one in the future.

In case you need a closer view of my amazing sweater and head gear.

I can't believe I didn't take any pictures of Thanksgiving, but it was wonderful to have Grammy and Grandad here.

We wore them out.

I love my parents and I love having them in my home.

BYU vs Georgia Southern

We joined Tiff's in-laws the Landriths, Dave's sister Laura and her family, for a pre-game tailgate. They put on quite the spread. And it was great to spend time with them.

Me with Tiff's nephews. She was jealous. 

Carl (the chef)

Jefferson

Zach - who is actually Paul's son and a cousin to the Landriths. Paul is Dave's brother. he's an Army Ranger.

After filling ourselves, we jumped on a bus to the game. Our seats were near the top, which was a hard climb for Grammy. 

We couldn't believe it when we realized that Zach and his family were sitting right in front of us. His wife is awesome and their kids are adorable.

It was so fun to see the Cougars take the field.

There were a ton of BYU fans there. We may have out numbered the Georgia Southern fans. I did have some fans tell me later that they'd never filled the upper section before.

They started the game by having an eagle fly in. Pretty cool.

BYU started really strong, but it ended up being way too close of a game. And their team got pretty chippy at the end.

Touchdown!

Nice punt!

Offense

Punt return

Defense

The huddle

Their team played music to start the fourth quarter and our team jammed to it. Loved it!

Even though it was closer than anticipated at first, we came away with a 34-17 win. At the end, we were in victory formation and one of their players took a cheap shot. After that, I kind of wanted BYU to score again. We were on about the 5 or 10 and could have. But BYU was classy and took a knee. In the end, that may have hurt us when it came to bowl selection.

After the game, we went back to the tailgate and ate some more. It was fun just hanging out with Tiff & Dave's family.

We drove home that night and got back around 11 p.m. Thank goodness church wasn't until 12:30.