blessed beyond measure

We have had some unique opportunities this month for the boys to experience American history firsthand. I went with Aden on his field trip to the Avoca house and museum in Altavista. The home dates back to the Revolutionary War, though the house burned down a few times and was last rebuilt in 1901. We were able to see the various outbuildings, learn how food was prepared, and about clothing, daily activities, and weapons of the day. Very interesting indeed. Making butter by shaking cream. Then Giga went with Trey on his field trip to the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton. This was a working farm, where they saw all kinds of animals and tools, and learned how life was done on a farm so long ago, without our modern conveniences. BFF Aaron stuck close by Trey! And so glad Giga could go along for some time with her biggest boy. Finally, Giga whisked the boys and me away on a long weekend trip to Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. We all enjoyed the experiences and man...

Because I can't for the life of me remember anything about last Thanksgiving. Except sadness. And while the sadness remains, maybe it's not quite as raw. And the memories must be intentional. So off to Giga and Poppop's we went. All the best Thanksgiving foods at the hands of my precious Mama. And no, I have no photos of food or the table all done up or the process of eating. I was much too busy making sure every bite of these once-per-year favorites contained the proper balance of turkey, dressing, potatoes, and gravy. Priorities, people. We love the time together after the meal, though. What turned out to be a very difficult game where Trey tried to get by with the word "Poopz". The food coma. Can't blame them. Sweet, handsome Harris men. Working off the calories. Poppop stopped letting him win long ago. Looking through old toys and trying out a few games. So thankful for Giga and Poppop. Then on to Nana and Granddad's for dinner....

And we're back. In our spot. All up on the anthill. Last night was opening scrimmage for Brandon's team, and of course we were there with bells on, doing our thing. Trey trying to scoot as far away from us as possible, going all they're not with me , and then getting super excited when the teams played a fifth quarter. Free basketball! Aden running, hopping, skipping, jumping, laying down on his coat, drawing pictures on his board, kicking the bleachers, and going to the bathroom a dozen times. Doing everything except watch the game. And me, fussing at my boys on repeat, making mental notes on the game for when Brandon asks my opinion, and learning and re-learning the players' names so I'll be at least somewhat accurate when I yell at them from the stands this season. How we roll, y'all. Happy basketball season.