Anne Parks and Her Dancin' Cousins

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Dads

I came across this video on a blog I like to read, Working Moms Against Guilt, and I thought it was just too cute not to share. There's nothing better than a daddy with his little girl!

Grandma Howell's Hair-Braiding Chair

When I was small, my mother would take me by my great-grandmother's house for her to braid my hair (or plat it, as Grandma would say). I would sit on the same chair each time. This summer, I mentioned the chair to my uncle, saying I wish that someone had saved it. He told me he thought it was in my great-grandpa's old barn. I went to check, and there it was! I cleaned it up, and my dad helped me recover it. I regret that I didn't take a "before" picture. I did take one after we'd started. I'm so proud of it, and I know Grandma would have loved it. I hope to be braiding Anne Parks hair soon (if I can get her to sit still).

The back and the seat were in pretty bad shape.

The final product:

Grandma, Grandpa, and me after my high school graduation. I believe it's the last picture I have of the three of us. They were two of the sweetest people I've ever known.

Christmas Party

Jason's friends from high school have a great tradition. They, and their families, have gotten together for a Christmas party each year since graduation. This year, there were kids everywhere, and we decided that we'd outgrown the traditional location. We had a great time. Anne Parks, especially, had fun playing with her friends.

Emily, Henry, Quinn, and John Vaughan
Uncle Aaron, Maggie, and Aunt Jen
Maggie, Jennifer, and Anne Parks

I Give Thanks for Friends!

Not only did I get to spend time with my family over the holiday; I also had the privilege of seeing some dear, Starkville friends. On Saturday, we gathered for a shower for Susan and her babies-to-be (That's no typo; she's having two!) We were also introduced to Laura's newest addition, Elizabeth. It was so wonderful to be with my friends. It was a rare treat since we live so far apart, and I treasure our time together.
Laura and Baby Elizabeth; Susan + 2 boys, me and AP, and Jessi

me and my sweet girl

Anne Parks helped by taking to gifts to Susan as she was opening them. She had a ball!

I Give Thanks for Family!

Anne Parks and I spent several days last week with Rambo Reed, Mommasissy, and Smith in Starkville. We had a great time and had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day when the rest of the family joined us. I've added a few new photo albums of our holiday on the left.

Emily and Smith

Sweet Boy

Anne Parks dancing along with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Rambo Reed joining Anne Parks' dance routine

Anne Parks and her baby taking a break

Uncle Drew and Reed watching "Scarlet Take a Tumble" (This was a hilarious YouTube video. I hope you've seen it. I was going to link here, but I found that it had been removed. So sad.)