The week of Thanksgiving was one to remember. I was fortunate to spend a week full of fellowship with friends and family. I can’t say that I recall a Thanksgiving holiday feeling so full…yes, full of food but also full of thanks.

Bobby was gracious enough to watch Wynnie for 2 girl nights out in a row! I started the holiday with dinner in Rock Hill to visit with Stephanie and Maggie, along with some of the rest of the gang! Shell, Crystal, Mary Beth and Violet. It was great to catch up, as always. The next night, Jenny and I went downtown to the Epicentre to see New Moon. Since we’ve both read all the books in the Twilight series, it was an extra special treat for us!

On Thanksgiving, we started the day with a ride on the light rail to the Carousel Parade. This was a new experience for us and I think a tradition we will start as a family. Wynnie was mesmerized with all the action of the parade..she either sat on Bobby’s shoulders or in the stroller, not taking her eyes off all the floats, marching bands, etc.

After the parade, we headed to Kings Mountain. We always have lunch at my mom’s where we enjoy the best meal of the year. Since it was sunny, we were blessed to spend some time outdoors throughout the afternoon.

Jason and Suzanne

Vickie, Ben and Will

Jennifer and Chris

Mom

Steve and Linda

My favorite new pic of Wynn.

Later in the day, we headed to Bobby’s parents. We took Wynnie to see the Christmas lights at  Mid Pines. For all of you non-Kings Mountain readers, the highlight is 1 house that has more lights and decorations than you can imagine. There’s a circle drive and Santa greets you with candy canes when you pull in. This is an old tradition that we introduced Wynn to for the first time this year. She liked it so much we went through 3 times.

Wynn and GG.

Wynn’s love for rocking horses continues. Here she’s riding on Bobby’s horse from when he was a child. It’s so cool to think about our daughter riding the same horse as her daddy!

On Friday, we headed off to cut down on Christmas tree. We had originally planned to go to Boone, but decided to visit the Penland tree farm in York, SC instead. For all of you looking for a good place to cut your own tree at a good price, you should totally check it out. We had the best day (not only finding our tree but also on the hayride, tunnel through a mound of mulch and free hot chocolate). Aunt Crystal spent the day and evening with us which is always heart warming. I simply love that she is so much a part of our family.

On the hunt for the perfect tree.

We finally decided on a leyland cypress after much debate.

Hayride

Wynn and Bobby in tunnel

Sorry about the sun Crystal!

We spent Saturday morning decorating the tree and then Mom and Steve picked up Wynn to give us a night out. We had dinner with our dear friends the Sharpes, Dorriers and Brewers at The Liberty. I highly recommend you Charlotteans give it a try – a fabulous meal! Afterwards we headed out to the old school Freaky Wack party. Yes, we got our grove on but were still home by 12:30. Sadly we did not make it to church however I did spend my morning on Sunday thanking God for the many blessings he continues to give me. We went on a mountain bike ride in Lowell at a trail we’d never ridden. We had a great time but it was a little more than I bargained for!

Even in the light of so much happiness, there’s always sadness to balance. My grandmother is in the hospital as her health has taken a down turn and my mom is making some brave and difficult decisions in relation to my cousin, Jenna (who lives with my grandmother). I am thankful that my mom can be the rock and voice of reason in this pivotal time for my family. Prayers are appreciated.

If you’d like to see the full album of pics, click here:

This year we were fortunate to spend Halloween at home with our friends and family. All the kids came in costume and for the most part, were good sports about it. We even had some good adult costumes too! Wynnie was in rare form as you will see in the group baby photo shoot (she was under the weather with a mysterious rash that has since gone away – thank the Lord). Luckily the rain held off for most of the afternoon and we were able to spend time enjoying the new bucket swing out front. Thanks to everyone who brought good food to share! It was a fun day!

A very special thanks to Kristin who always takes such great photos (you can tell hers vs. mine). Enjoy!

Definitely my favorite time of year is Fall/Autumn.  My blood is not made for the heat.  I thrive off of the slightly gloom in the sky and chill in the air.  My birthday and our anniversary is in October, which also adds a special introduction to the season.  Mom, Dad, Jenn, Wynn and I went to Dolce for my birthday.  An incredible little Italian joint off of East blvd., which I highly recommend.  Then Jenn had a ton of surprises laid out for our anniversary.  Wynnie free, we did a little shopping at J.Crew which was fun.  Then she surprised me for lunch at Crepe Cellar, which once again is amazing.  After a short bike ride, she instructed me to get into the car without any possessions.  I really had no idea what was going on.  She proceeded uptown to the Westin!  We had an amazing hotel room with downtown views.  We went out to Bentley’s for our 5 year anniversary dinner.  27 floors up + drinks + steak = always a good time!  If you can’t tell we like to eat.  We got Wynn back the next day and for my surprise portion of the weekend we went to the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville.  This place is great!  It’s private land that they turned into a drive through zoo!  There is all kind of exotic animals along the 3 mile loop.  Also, when you are done you can get out and check out many more smaller animals.

-Lil Pumpkin in the Pumpkin patch!

-Sneak preview of Wynn’s Halloween costume.

-Lazy 5 Ranch!

GG Webster got this rocking horse for Wynnie a while back.  She wasn’t so sure about it at first and all of a sudden last week the following started to happen!  Yesterday she literally was rocking so hard I thought she was going to go end over end!

We just returned yesterday from our crazy trip to Hilton Head and the Outer Banks.  We started out Friday the 4th and headed without Wynn to Hilton Head for Lindsay Pope’s wedding.  It was a beautiful wedding weekend and I had never been to Hilton Head so it was a fun time.  Me and the guys even had time for 18 holes and a couple trips to the tennis courts.  Jenn and I then proceeded to leave Sunday after the wedding a little before 11 pm to head home.  We arrived in the QC around 2am and were up by 7am to pack the truck for the Outer Banks!  Teresa brought Wynn back to us and we headed out for a very trying 8 hour drive.  Our lack of sleep + Wynnie’s lack of patience for the carseat = unhappy Websters.  Once we finally made it we had a great trip hanging out with our friends.  Well, I don’t think I have quite caught up on my rest yet, so I’m going to leave you with a few photos.

- To see the rest of my photos from OBX click here.

- Kristin is an amazing photographer so check out here pics here.

-Hilton Head rehearsal dinner boat cruise.

Sorry…slack as always with the posts!  Last Sunday, Wynnie was dedicated at the Warehouse, which for those who don’t know is the church we attend.  It’s definitely an unconventional church so I think we were both a little stressed to have our extended families attend but I believe everyone enjoyed the service.  It did just so happen to be an extra strange service.  They have been doing a running movie series.  Mostly more recent movies that you may have heard of, (Batman, Slumdog, Seven Pounds, etc.)  Well, this particular Sunday happened to be, “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog.” Haven’t heard of it?  Neither has 99.999% of the world.  I’m sure that coupled with the teeth-rattling volume of the band you get from sitting on the front row, must have made my grandmother think we were insane for attending such a church!  All in all, I heard Bruce wrapped up the movie series nicely into a real world lesson.  I wouldn’t know because Wynnie was acting crazy, so we were out of the church trying to appease her!

Anyway, Wynn was dedicated with her best bud, Buxton, (Ben and Kristin Smith’s son.)  We thought it fitting for them to be dedicated together because we have been mutual friends with the Smith’s for many years, have been attending Warehouse for approximately the same time and share a lot of other similar ideals on how we want our children to be raised.

Afterwards, our families and friends collided at the Lilac house for a tremendous brunch.  There was homemade chicken salad, pastas, cupcakes and more!  It was great to get to hang out with everyone together for the day.  Thanks so much to all of those who came and showed your support.  Wynnie loves you all! (Thanks to Tosha and Kristin for some of the pics!)

I was fortunate to visit sweet Addison yesterday as well as check in on Brooke to make sure she is maintaining sanity! Addison was born on July 12 at 8.39 pm and she weighed 5 lbs 2 ozs. She is a little thing since she was 4 weeks early but oh so precious! She has Brooke’s coloring and a ton of hair. I must say I was a little nervous holding her – she’s almost a pound smaller than Wynnie when she was born so for those of you who remember who tiny she was, you have a good reference!

Congratulations Brooke and Carter! Hang in there during these first weeks -things will get easier once she can stay awake to eat! Love you guys!

We have had a couple fun Sunday outings the last few weeks.  First we went to Stone Mountain, which was really cool.  We enjoyed checking out the old homestead and lounging out in the field looking at the actual, “stone mountain.” Also, if you can believe it the dogs even got to go!

I love this picture!

The actual Stone Mountain in the background.  We were lazy this day but you can actually hike to the top.  Also, people rock climb the face of the mountain that you see!

There were deer everywhere.  This guy was just chilling on the way out.

A couple Fridays ago Jenn was supposed to meet Holly and Killian at the zoo.  They were rained out so it’s been a topic of conversation for a little bit now.  Today before church we made a instantaneous decision to pack some stuff and go after church.  It was Wynn’s first time to a zoo and our first time since elementary.  It was a bit hot, but a great day for some giraffe feeding!

If you didn’t know we were at the zoo, you may believe this was Asya.  It was actually a giraffe that Wynnie got to feed!

A real life Sophie!, ( all you out there with babies know what toy I’m referring to!)

Wynnie’s first carousel ride as well.  She really didn’t know what to think about this!

Today Wynnie turned 1!  Wow, it really is true that if you blink you will miss it.  The last year has been the best year of my life.  I never thought I would enjoy fatherhood like I do.  I never end the day without being completely exhausted, but I can just think of Wynnie and all the effort it takes to raise a little one is totally forgotten.  I tell friends it’s the most tiring, time consuming thing you could ever imagine; but the most fun at the same time!  Anyway…

Jenn planned an excellent birthday party for Wynnie down the street at Freedom Park.  Thanks to everyone who came out on such a hot day.  One thing is for sure; it was definitely a baby fest!  Also, a major thanks to Kristin for taking these pictures.  She has an awesome camera and is an excellent photographer.

She is loving her trike!  I’ve already been pushing her around the house and torturing the dogs.

Jon Michael, Jules and Gunner Black

Lila Sharpe is so cute!  She just started walking.

Lila and mom, (Leigh)

Jenn’s cousin, Will Austin

Jenn’s cousin Ben Austin and Steve and Teresa

Teresa and Vickie

Jenny with her new addition Grey Carlson

Josie Claire Hoffman, (Wynn’s best and closest in age friend!)

Ummm…ladybug cupcakes were yummy!

Allison and Hayley

The water table was a big hit!  Thanks Steve and Teresa

Wynnie’s Godmother Crystal came from Raleigh.  She endured a car break down on the trip down; sat in the 90+ degree heat for 2 hours waiting on AAA and then had to ride from Greensboro to Charlotte with a random tow truck!  She loves you Wynn!  Her boyfriend Doug also came from Raleigh via Winston for the party.  Doug thanks for all your help unloading everything, (and reloading!)

Jenn with Wynnie, Molly and Charlie

Mary Beth, Violet and Garth

Ben and Buxton

Shelley with Violet

The only pals missing are Kaleb Johnson who we didn’t capture on camera and Kilian Andrews who was not able to attend. Wynn is so lucky to have so many friends at the early age of 1.

The week before the party we were at the beach with Jenn’s family for the annual Ocean Isle trip.  We always look forward to this trip.  There hasn’t been a year yet where we have failed to return with great memories and stories.  The majority of these stories involve the always entertaining Uncle Randy.  Randy retired several years ago as a high ranking officer with the Raleigh Police Department.  He pretty much shatters every stereotype I previously knew of cops.  I’ll just leave it at that.

We did a pre-party for Wynn at Ocean Isle.  It’s safe to say she enjoyed the cake!

Our family had the pleasure of spending MDW with my 2 oldest and dearest friends at Oak Island. We had a house right on the beach which made it super easy to get the girls on and off of the beach when it was time for nap and a break from all the excitement. We had so much fun reminiscing about the old days and simply enjoying each other and the sound of the ocean! I hope this becomes an annual tradition for us.

Charlie and Wynnie – boating around in a tidal pool! I think they liked it!

Wynn shows Buxton some love! She is in this new phase where she realizes that laying down for a quick snuggle/break is actually ok!

Gray Carlson has arrived! Congratulations Jenny and Mark!!!

Violet and Mary Beth came over to visit Wynn and Kevi a few weeks ago!! Seems like they are trying to hold hands! Violet – Please come over to visit soon when I am home!!

Lila came over for some play time! The girls play together so well! Leigh told me last night that that Lila is walking!!! She just learned how last weekend at the beach. I can’t wait to see it for myself!! You go girl!

Still loving her lamb!

We finally made it to Ikea! It was a fun afternoon since we went on a Friday and there was noone there! It was like having the store ALL to ourselves! How rare!!