An extremely late Thanksgiving post (pictures & words) + a little Christmas spirit

Finals Week almost killed me. Am I exaggerating? Probably. But I’m definitely relieved that this semester is finally over – it was the most mentally/emotionally challenging semester I have faced so far, and am really looking forward to our Christmas adventures. Only six days of work stand between us and a two-week Christmas road trip.

On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Caleb and I packed our flea market suitcases (which are amazing), jumped in our car, spent an hour+ in traffic, went on a scavenger hunt for a parking spot at the Park & Jet, endured a lengthy security check, and spent too much money on a bag of chips because I didn’t eat breakfast.

After a 2 hour flight, we landed in Florida. We then proceeded to eat way too much chicken at Sonny’s BBQ.

Monday: Sea World 

I got to feed & pet Sting Rays!

This dolphin has a secret.

I was so excited about seeing the Shamu show that I only took this picture. The guy behind me was just as thrilled. I don’t even care about the black speck in my tooth. I love this picture too much.

Even though Thanksgiving hadn’t even taken place, Sea World was getting into the Christmas Spirit. The train fulfilled my greatest childhood dreams. The ride did not. It was pretty lame.

Although it was in the 80’s, there was a vendor selling hot chocolate. We decided to get ice cream instead.

Tuesday: Wycliffe Headquarters & Rain

We had originally planned a beach trip, but then it down poured the entire day … and into Wednesday. We opted out of the beach trip & visited the headquarters for Wycliffe Bible Translators instead. We also ate really great fish sandwiches.

Visiting Wycliffe was so exciting. Caleb and I have big dreams, including one day working with Wycliffe Bible Translators as missionaries. The visit made our dreams seem a little more real. They also had a really great section of photo shoot props which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Wednesday: Super Friend Day 

One of my closest friends, Meredith, got married this past summer (go look at her wedding pictures here because they are beautiful), and moved all the way down to Sebring, Florida. Even though we were only able to hang out for a little bit, I am so glad that I was able to see her (and her cousin Elizabeth, too). 🙂 She is definitely a kindred spirit, and it’s easy to catch up where we left off….even after being apart for five months.

Thursday: T H A N K S G I V I N G 

Two turkeys = a very happy me.

I’m ashamed to say – these are the only pictures I have of Thanksgiving Day. I was definitely blessed when I married Caleb – his family accepted me as one of their own from day one, and it was so nice to spend the holiday with such hilarious and loving people. Baby Adam also helped brighten things up because he is adorable. Even though it was my first Thanksgiving away from my own family, I felt right at home eating my father-in-law’s smoked turkey, and my brother-in-law’s stuffed mushrooms. (If you decided to read this, Zach, I heard Tito Sandy would pay money for those)

Friday: Wreath Day

Today was one of my favorite days on our trip. Because Caleb’s family lives in Florida, we don’t have the luxury of short weekend visits. We get a lot of opportunities to visit my family, so when we see his family it’s a big deal for us. On Friday I was able to spend the afternoon hanging out with my mother&sister -in-law, and making these adorable burlap wreaths.

 

We used the burlap wreath tutorial (it’s super easy), and added holly for the antlers, an ornament for the nose, and a bow for a bow tie. We had such a fun time making them!

Saturday: Our last day

The last day is always the hardest day. We went mini-golfing (I’m not the best at it, and may have hit a little girl with my golf ball), inhaled the most amazing ribs (smoked with love by my father-in-law), and gave long hugs and shared reluctant goodbyes.

Sunday: our trip home 

Our trek home began way too early, but after 2 hours in a plane, and an hour drive from Philly to Phoenixville, we were home. Traveling is something I love to do, yet I love the comfort my own bed brings. As much as I say that I want to be a wanderer and see as much of the world as I can, coming home always reminds me that one day we need to plant our roots … somewhere. Thankfully we have some time to figure that out.

That next week we were able to recuperate, do some laundry, and finally decorate our apartment for Christmas.

This past week we did some Christmas shopping, and were able to put some gifts under our little tree.

My owl ornaments.

I love our little barrel wrapped with lights. In my opinion, lights make everything a little more magical.

________________________________________________________________

I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

How are you getting ready for Christmas?