Natalie's First Camping Trip

Every time Brad has taken James camping, Natalie has asked when she will get to go.  Well, this was her year!  She and Brad went to Huntsville State Park for a night of camping.  I believe we counted down the days for two weeks straight---she was so excited!

 Leaving school early with dad!

She's a natural.  I think her favorite part was the food: BBQ Lays and s'mores for breakfast!

Thanksgiving at School

There is something about little kids dressed in pilgrim and native american costumes that makes my heart happy.  Luke's Thanksgiving feast was small but sweet.  I loved it.

Luke is praying over his lunchbox because he HATES Chick-Fil-A.  I don't get it.

These sweet pilgrim bobble heads hanging over their classroom door makes me so happy!

Such a sweet class.  

Spelling Bee

This year James wanted to sign up for the school spelling bee---a talented definitely not inherited from his mother.  For some reason, I love school spelling bees!  We practiced at night, and I was so proud of James for participating!  There were only a handful of second graders, and I must say, getting up on stage in front of people is very intimidating.  He did great--made it through to the 5th round.  The two 4th graders that battled it out were spelling words that I didn't even know were actual words.  (he misspelled "offer"--ofer).

Way to go, James! 

Christmas Card PIctures

My friend, Amanda White, is an insanely talented photographer.  Her son, Will White, started SBS the same year as James, and we quickly became friends.  Her sweet family moved to Austin a couple of years ago, and we have begged her to do a mini session for years.  Well, this year she obliged! (she was coming into town for our girl's weekend)

I love each and every picture!

James carrying Natalie because her feet hurt from the cute shoes that her mom made her wear.  :)

I will treasure these photos forever! 

Our girls' weekend! These are dear, precious friends, and I am so thankful for their friendship.  We get together twice a year at Ashley's lake house, but this trip was an extra weekend that had to be moved to the Four Seasons because of Harvey.  Our motto: Just Say Yes---when friends suggest a weekend together: "just say yes", when friends want to go to dinner: "just say yes"---say yes to spending time together

Alabama vs. LSU

It seems that this trip is quickly becoming an annual one, and I don't know who is more excited about it.  Brad took James to the Alabama vs. LSU game this year, and it was epic.

The day before, James and Brad went around Campus. Denny Chimes, Paul Bear Bryant Museum, and Bryant Denny Stadium.

Playing catch with Nick Saban.

James and Brad also were able to get into the stadium for a walk around before the game...

We were lucky enough to find a patio spot at Buffalo Phils on the Strip, so we ate some Burgers for lunch

Gameday was packed with excitement. The day started with getting former Alabama (and current Chicago Bears) Safety Eddie Jackson's autograph

Breakfast at Rama Jama's on game day!

Gameday with James includes throwing the football and nonstop football games with James. It is very fun to play football in front of Bryant-Denny stadium and in the Quad.

Brad and James me tup with a college friend who had his nephews with him.

Football at the Sigma Nu House and a pic outside the stadium.

James waiting for the players to walk in for the Walk of Champions in front of Bryant Denny Stadium. He high-fived Calvin Ridley

The game was great. The atmosphere was electric and there was never any doubt who the winner would be. 24-10 Bama. Roll Tide!

After the game, Brad and James waited by the locker room for the players to come out.  Bradley Bozeman came out and gave James his game day gloves and towel! And Sugar Bowl and National Championship Defensive Player of the Game, Daron Payne gave James an autograph and picture

Chris Owens also came out, and James told him that he had given him his gloves at the A&M game.  Chris Owens asked if James was the one that had written him the note!  He told James he had saved the note and it was in his room.  Chris was so nice to James and asked for a picture with him!  He later posted the picture to his Instagram account, along with a picture of the note James had written him.  I have a feeling Chris Owens has a lifelong fan!!

 

Roll Tide, James!