Family Visit

I am so proud to say that Grant and I have a wonderful family. We just finished a week long family visit from Grant's family. We had a wonderful time together! I was also able to see my parents, when they were driving through Tennessee on their way to West Virginia. Living in Tennessee, working full-time and attending school, causes Grant and I to see our families less than we would like. Luckily, it is great when we do (lots of shopping is involved)!! :) I do want to thank George, Lynda, Lindsay and Doug for all of your help around the house during your vacation.

I guess I do need to mention that we also had a two page "To Do List" while this visit was going on. While the guys were busy pressure washing the house, cutting down trees, laying tile in the kitchen, and setting up our new bedroom furniture from IKEA. The girls were shopping, planning the next shopping trip and remembering the fun times from our recent trip to Paris.

I am truly blessed to have such wonderful and loving in-laws, they accepted me in the family right away. I truly do feel like a daughter to them. There is not enough words to express what they have done for myself and Grant. I can only thank them from the bottom of my heart for raising such a wonderful son, that I have the pleasure of growing old with.

Thank you George and Lynda... I am forever in debt to you for giving me such an amazing best friend.

The Lord has brought such wonderful people in our lives thus far, I can't wait to see what is next.

2011 Started in Style!!

We rang in the New Year with our great friends in Bowling Green, KY. Spending time with friends, playing games and hanging out was a nice way to end the year and start a new one. Our dear friends Jason and Leslie live about four hours away from us in Bowling Green, KY. So once all of our guests headed home we relaxed a little... then headed to KY to ring in the New Year with them. We arrived after dinner on Thursday night and exchanged Christmas gifts and sat around and chatted for awhile. Then we played Cranium the board game. Leslie and I were on a team (we lost... nothing new). Jason's sister was there visiting too... it was nice to see her, we had not seen her since Jason and Leslie's wedding (which was a year ago in November). So we played until almost 3:00am (central time). I was super sleepy... Way past my bedtime!! But we had a blast! Friday we just hung out around the house playing the Wii, Grant and I brought our controllers and some of our games with us. We were also cooking because Jason and Leslie's parents were coming over for dinner. I was excited, since I had not seen Leslie's mom in awhile. Dinner was awesome, everyone was stuffed.

Jason and Leslie put together a year end slide show to share with everyone of their travels and experiences of the year. We watched that then watched the ball drop, kissed then played Just Dance on the Wii. What a night... with great friends.

Mandi, Leslie and Jen

Besties... Mandi and Leslie (missing Ann)

Saturday we got up and hung out for a bit at the house while everyone was slowing waking up from the night before, we decided to just stay in for the day and play more games. Jason's parents came over that day so we played some more board games and in between the board games there were a couple of games of HORSE or PIG outside in the driveway. When Saturday was coming to a close, we ended the day with several rounds of signature game CATCHPHRASE. Everyone loved it! The girls even won a couple of rounds! Girls Rule!! :) Sunday was the day we were heading home, but not without Jason's special lunch. All weekend Jason was talking about The Loveless Cafe in Nashville and how we had to go there. So on the way home we took two cars and the four of us ate at The Loveless Cafe before we headed back to Knoxville. It was amazing and filling and not that expensive. A great way to end a wonderful weekend.

I do wish I could see our dear friends more often, but I blessed when we do get to see them, we make wonderful memories each time! :) We love you both!