Unlike some people,  we have not been bored this summer and fall with opening a business and moving into a new house.  I'm not sure I will ever be bored again.   

Bad timing.  It was a chilly October and only this child dared to try out the pool.

We also celebrated a banner birthday.  4 sad Covid birthdays this year.  Thank goodness for Cake and Balloons-they never disappoint.  

And with a big birthday comes a big responsibility. Covid had the DMV appointments backed up for months.  Of course this mom had an appointment booked months ahead of time.  But maybe, just maybe, this kiddo didn't finish her on-line drivers ed in time for that appointment.  We nearly had to drive to Savannah to catch another appointment (before January) but I managed to score one at a DMV just 90 minutes away from home.  Woohoo.  It was so quick and easy.  And we got to detour back to the house via a very scenic highway.  

I can't say this pretty mountain view is in my backyard...but its close.

 

This kiddo rocked the SAT and was awarded a scholarship based on his score.  His tuition to college is covered at 90%.  Of course the fees cost as much as tuition...but every penny helps!

This puppy has adjusted well to having 2 homes.  He has adjusted much better than I have.

It wasn't love at first sight for Cleo and Benny but they are coming around.

In an effort to help the newest member of the family be "well socialized" we drag him everywhere.  This outing was to Blue Ridge, a very dog friendly town.

Our first dining out with the dog experience was going well until this 90 pound puppy sat at a table near us.  Bear was a bit freaked out and I can understand!

Based on all the attention he gets when we go out I can verify that he won cutest puppy in Blue Ridge on this day.

Across the street from us is the Cohutta Wilderness.  We took off on a driving adventure to see it and let me tell you, if the MAP says fill your gas tank, make sure your car is in good repair, and have 4 wheel drive....they mean it.  

No paved roads, no facilities, no phone service.  

This kiddo accompanied me to NC to grab some furniture.  

She was supposed to help me drive....

Such a  good helper haha

We made it back in time for Thanksgiving.  This was the first time we all, including 3 dogs, went to the new house at the same time.  That was a fun car trip.  

 "T" made a cheesecake

And everyone had a nice Turkey nap after our meal.

Our new downtown is darling.  I'm still not sold on small town living but at least its cute. And we have some great restaurants as long as you are ok only eating Wednesday Through Sunday.  

My daughter is so talented...This is Henna by the way.  Way harder to draw with, as it is a tube of goop, not a fine line pen. 

Henna goes on dark and when you rinse it off it leaves a reddish brown stain on the skin.

This was a fun project.  Looks great in my opinion.  

Embracing country life....Not really.  I totally did not wear these together.  

This isn't an action shot.  He stands like this all the time.

Hernia surgery and neuter.  Poor little guy.

Christmas snuck up on us this year. 

Lets try the car trip with 3 dogs again...All 3 want to sit in my lap.  

Pretty flowers from "D's" sister

Family Christmas movie night.  Grandpa enjoyed Home Alone more than the kids did!

If you asked me what I wanted for Christmas...this was it.  Everyone together in the same house and my kids getting along and hanging out together.  

We even got snow on Christmas.  Just enough to be pretty and not enough to cause trouble. Perfect.

Ok, maybe that wasn't ALL I wanted for Christmas.  I also wanted these really cool canvas portraits of my dogs.  Waiting for the kids to notice I didn't order portraits of them.  

I'm not sure how many more "Christmas Morning" pictures I'm going to have of these two.  Which makes me treasure this even more.