Gift #372- Chicken on a Stick

I have counted "chicken on a stick" as a gift once before. But it is one of those things that can certainly be counted twice!  The chicken is delicious, but the experience itself is even better in my opinion.  It was a cold day last week when we went.  Each table is complete with warming blankets so you can cozy up while you are eating.  Sam LOVES the sauce and dips his fingers in it long after the chicken is gone.  Macy is CRAZY about the gyoza and gets very grumpy when it is all gone!

The Chicken Shack was already decorated for Christmas!

This was AG's very first restaurant outing with her family!

Do you see what Santa is holding?  Chicken on a Stick!

Gift #371- My brother-in-law Travis

My brother in law Travis is so very kind-hearted.  He is a wonderful daddy and husband.  I hope that, when we are stateside once again, our families will be able to spend some time together!  We are long overdue!  Happy VERY late birthday Travis!  (Sept. 16)

Gift #370- My sis-in-law Amy Thomas!

Happy VERY late birthday Amy (Sept 15)!  We don't get to see Amy and Rob and the girls often enough, but we sure do have a wonderful time when we do!  Amy is always so welcoming and hospitable.  She makes you feel right at home and she doesn't seem to mind if your kiddos wreck the living room or if your dog comes right in her front door and makes a mess on her carpet!  (Sorry about that Amy!)  You are an amazing friend, mommy, wife and nurse!  This Amy Thomas is so very happy to have you in my life!

Gift #369- My Homecoming King

Jack was nominated for the 7th grade Homecoming court.  He did not want to get dressed up and go to the homecoming dance.  But, because his class had nominated him, I felt as though he should go.  He dreaded shopping with me.  He was afraid that I was going to embarrass him by saying something like "Is there plenty of room in the crotch?"  He hates that word!  (So I try to throw it around every now and then.)  He sure did look handsome, but way too BIG!

Gift #368- Treasures Found in the Garden

"Now he wasn't hungry any more- and he wasn't a caterpillar any more.  He was a big, fat caterpillar.  He built a small house, called a cocoon, around himself.  He stayed inside for more than two weeks.  Then he nibbled a hole in the cocoon, pushed his way out and ...he was a beautiful butterfly."

Eric Carle- The Very Hungry Caterpillar

I will blink and a butterfly she will be!

Gift #367- Sweet Friends

Some of my very sweet friends (Colleen, Julie, and Moira) threw Avery Grace and our new little neighbor ,James, a "Sprinkle"today.  We had such a great time together.  These girls have a way of making you feel like family when you are so far away from your own.  

My neighbor, Tiffany, & our friend Nikki.  Nikki is holding Tiffany's new baby, 

James Stephen Featherstone

Shower Guests:  Julie Goodwin, Katie Bayley, Erica Hall, Moira Jones, Colleen Gordon, Michelle Northam, Tiffany Featherstone, Megan Reid, Gary Bernhard, Fatima Boyd, Nikki Baldwin, Jenn Keller

Gift #366- The United States Marine Corps

The Marine Corps has allowed our family to experience one amazing adventure after another.  We have enjoyed the ride and are so very grateful.  Happy 238th Birthday USMC.