Above: Cousins Jimmy, Brooke, Kelsey, Justin and Sara. My mom and dad hosted Thanksgiving for my mom's side of the family this year. We always have so much fun when we get together. Lots of laughs for sure!!
Above: Me and my brother, Jimmy. Isn't he such a good dresser? He picks out all his own clothes too. I'm so proud!
Above: Mom, me, Jimmy and Dad. Oh, and Pepper the "devil dog" in the left hand corner. She is actually the sweetest dog in the world but she looks like a crazed beast in this picture!
Above we have Rory on vocals and Savanna on guitar. We spent A LOT of time playing Rock Star Hero (at least, I think that's what it's called). My mom's side of the family is pretty musically inclined so this was right up our alley. SO MUCH FUN!!
Yes folks, that is Mr. Greg Reynolds on drums. He was very into it! So much so that he dressed up for the occasion. Awesome.
Above: The Wheeler clan.
We had a little surprise birthday party for Carlie on Thanksgiving. She was so excited when she walked in the door and we all started singing "Happy Birthday". She had this huge smile on her face. Such a little cutie!! 
Above: The Rade clan. We got together with my dad's side of the family the day after Thanksgiving. It was really nice to see everyone and spend some time catching up. We don't get a chance to get together very often and it's so nice when we do! We had a great time!
And last but not least....Greg and I. Yesterday and today, Greg and I finally broke down and did some Christmas decorating. I can't believe how fast Christmas is sneaking up on us this year. I didn't feel ready for it at all until we put up the tree and played some Christmas music....that got us more in the mood for the season.
I also wanted to point out a blog that I added to my list of blogs that I follow. It's called Bring the Rain and it's written by a woman named Angie Smith. Her husband is a singer in a band called Selah. She originally started the blog when she and her husband found out that the daughter she was pregnant with would not be able to survive after she was born. Although the circumstances under which the blog was created are horribly sad, it's so inspiring to hear Angie's testimony of faith as she and her family work through the sometimes heart-breaking and, more often, joy-filled journey called life. I would recommend starting with some of her first few posts so you understand the situation she's coming from. After that, you'll probably want to read ALL of her posts. She's an incredibly talented writer. Some of my favorite posts that I highly recommend checking out are: "The Chicken" (it's hilarious), "Blink", and my very favorite, "Ransomed".
Hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!
Love,
Brooke
