Christmas Eve 2014

We had this Christmas all planned out like we do every year. Church on Christmas Eve then back to our house for dinner with Travis's mom. Christmas morning just the 5 of us and off to Hot Springs late that afternoon.

So, two days before Christmas, imagine our dismay when Hannah came down with a fever. It was so bad that I finally took her to the MedExpress and couldn't help but think "Oh no! The flu!". After a long wait (and a little vomit in the waiting room floor), we found out good news. It wasn't the flu, but it was strep throat. I hated seeing Hannah sick, but was so thankful it wasn't the flu. I was able to get her on meds and feeling better before Christmas Eve, so all was right with the world!

Then, Christmas Eve came. Travis woke up with a fever and just feeling all around yucky! WHAT!? I tried to send him to the doctor, but he said (and I quote) "There are SICK people there!"

** Um...what Travis? You are SICK PEOPLE! Go to the doctor because I can't deal with your whining self any longer. (kidding...sort of...ok not really!)

He toughed it out and was feeling a little better by Christmas day and much better the day after. But, as bad as he felt, we didn't make it to church Christmas Eve and I was SO sad. Travis's mom did come over for dinner and presents, so at least we didn't miss out on all of our Christmas Eve traditions.

After Travis's mom left, we were all MUCH too excited to sleep. So, we decided to burn a little energy by jumping off of the arm of the couch...

Don't worry, we calmed down and Travis read us the Christmas Story from the Bible. Then, we scurried off to bed!

Stay tuned for Christmas Day and Beyond!

What have we been up to?

Goodness! It seems like we have been doing so much, but at the same time, as I sit here to catch up on our lives, it doesn't seem like I have that much to say.

(This could be sheer exhaustion. I went to Atlanta today for a day trip for work; which means, I got up at 4am for a 6am flight and got home at 6:30 tonight. Whew! It was crazy!)

I digress. We have been so busy having fun and enjoying life, but I want to catch up because there have been some pretty momentous things happen around here.

Travis took Emma deer hunting for the Youth hunt this year. She kept going back and forth on whether or not she was going to go. Finally, she just caved and went with him, (this may or may not have involved begging from Travis). Boy was she glad she went! She killed not one, but TWO deer. Emma was so excited and Travis was too; in fact, I am not sure who was more excited! I love that they have something to do together just the two of them.

One weekend, Travis and I had a whole weekend together. We went on a date Friday night. I cannot tell you how much I love our time together. I love that we still laugh together and how he holds my hand across the table. When we were first married and had Emma so quickly after, I was nervous we would be that married couple that had nothing to say to each other once their kids were gone. It's our date nights that I remember we are best friends and always have stuff to talk about. I love this man!

That same weekend, we went to the Razorback game with our friends. It was super cold, but SO fun. The Hogs got their first SEC win under Brett Beliema and watching the crowd rush the field was amazing! So proud of our piggies!

One Sunday after church, I took the two big girls to lunch and a movie. The movie was a little too old for Catherine. So, Travis and Catherine went on a date together. We all had a blast and I cannot wait to do it again, but I'll take Catherine this time.

That is all the big events (at least what I have documented) until Thanksgiving. I will do a separate post for that. I love this little family of mine and the life we are so blessed with!

Wrapping up the Summer

As we finished up the last few weekends of summer, we soaked up every last minute. We played outside, grilled out and just enjoyed the, dare I say it...nice weather!

A few weekends ago, the girls and I met Honey in Dallas for a Back-To-School Shopping weekend. Since all of the girls started school and they are getting easy to travel with, we decided that would be a great way to end the summer. 

So, Friday afternoon, we hopped in the car and drove to the Westin in the Galleria. Of course, all the little Williamson girls love a good hotel stay! Honey was already there and we snuggled in bed and watched TV until we fell asleep.

Saturday morning, we woke up. Catherine did a dance party and pointed out the "river" (there is no river) from the window seat while we all got ready. Then, we shopped until we dropped! We had so much fun and laughed a lot that weekend. We all can't wait to do it again!

Last weekend, we spent the very last weekend of summer just having a good time! Friday, Travis and I took the day off work to spend an extra long weekend with the girls. Friday, we lunched, shopped and laughed together. We grilled out, ate ice cream and enjoyed the weather. We jammed out to the Dixie Chicks, taught Travis about why girls need pedicures and made good on the promise of no social media (or pictures) all day! We just soaked it all in.

Saturday, it was back to pictures! When I got up, I found Emma and Catherine snuggled in bed together. Hannah was still sleeping, so I decided to make muffins for breakfast.

Mid-day, Travis went to tie up a few things at work, so the girls and I went to lunch and for haircuts. I just love these little people and how much fun we can have together. I am not saying there are not times that I absolutely relish a work trip and hotel stay with no one to care for but myself. (just keeping it real!). But, as they get older, they get easier and more fun. Our wrap up of the summer was a time that I realized that and loved every minute.

Sunday was a regular Williamson Family Sunday. Church, Susan's and getting ready for the week!

Sea Grove Beach 2014

Two weeks ago, it was FINALLY time for us to head to the beach.

Friday morning, we got up early and went for breakfast at Susan's. Of course, it was the 4th of July, so we all rocked our red, white and blue! We love America!

We met up with Jon and Nicole about Alma. Then, met Mom and Dad for lunch at Chic-Fil-A and caravanned to our stop for the night. During the long drive, we snacked, listened to my old school iPod and just tried hard to stay sane until time to get out of the car.

Saturday, we finally got to the beach. The water was clear and the weather was perfect! We spent all of our days laying on the beach, playing in the sand, boogie boarding, fishing and enjoying each others company.  Travis and Hannah caught two huge crabs. Hannah was so proud!

The best thing to me about our vacations is the lack of a plan. I spend all of our at home time, making sure we have a plan and stick to it. So, for vacation, when someone wants to eat, they eat. When we want to sleep, we nap. No plan works for me.

This is the part where you realize what I said about Travis and I being complete opposites is so true. He is a NON planner at home; the guy literally flies by the seat of his pants at.all.times. (drive me CRAZY) But, we get on vacation and he wants to know each morning what the plan is for the day. I always answer with a "I don't know...whatever." (drives HIM crazy!)

But, we did go out to eat at our favorite places. Travis and I even got a date night with Jon and Nicole while my parents had a SkipBo tournament with the girls. It was a nice break for us.

I also snapped some pics of the girls. Then, while we were waiting for dinner, I took some of all of us.

I love our week away with all of our most favorite people. I know everyone agrees that we are ready for next year! :)