365.183: Paper Bag Town

One of the things we love in the McCormick household is receiving Highlights Magazine every month. Holden reads it cover-to-cover. He loves the hidden picture pages and the stories that teach Spanish. He also loves the cut-out activities that are always in the back--especially now that he is a scissors officianado. This month featured a "Paper Bag Town." There were all sorts of storefront images like window fronts, signs, plants, etc. that you cut out, matched however you want, and glued onto paper bags. Set up the bags, and you have a town! So fun!

365.182: It's Official!

365.180: Winter Meals

After a blustery (yet beautiful!) weekend at the beach, I came home ready to cook some winter comfort foods. (I know it's only fall. And that it feels more like Spring here in Texas. But I've been known to get ahead of myself at times!)

I went to foodnetwork.com and searched slow cooker for recipes. Pictured below are the two meals I landed on for this week. Mmmmm....

Curried Chicken with Cauliflower

Southeast Asian Winter Vegetables

Now, I didn't buy the ingredients for these yet, but are you not just drooling looking at these?

I mean, I am totally helpless against the delicious power of

sweet potatoes, marshmallows, and brown sugar.

365.179: Retail Therapy

We had to say goodbye to Ryan's fam this afternoon. The plane ride back was pretty uneventful, so that was good! All three of the boys slept the entire second (and longer) flight from Atlanta to Texas! It was such a fun weekend, and I'm sad for it to be over. So to keep my spirits high, I'll focus on the fact that I'm coming home with goodies! Debbie took me shopping Saturday morning (best mother-in-law ever) and I got these:
A pair of nude flats (they are way more camel-colored in person).
Black booties that I wore to the wedding! I LOVE them!
The booties were to go with this dress:

These comfy grey flats lined with fleece. Cute and warm? Yes please!

365.178: Ches and Ashlee's Wedding

365.177: Friday in Jacksonville

The entirety of our first full day in Jacksonville was just perfection. I got an hour of alone time with Jesus on the rooftop in the morning, and then we had a super-relaxing day until we headed to the rehearsal dinner.

I caught Papa showing Holden the sunrise on one of the balconies.

It was chilly!

I love these sweet morning faces.

Nonna and Holden all ready to go!

Getting spiritual with St. Francis (in the courtyard of the rehearsal dinner facility).

The boys with the bride-to-be. Look how excited Holden is!

365.176: Leavin On A Jet Plane

We headed to the beach this morning for a weekend full of family and wedding festivities. Ryan's cousin Chesley is marrying sweet Ashlee on Saturday. We are excited to see them tie the knot, and also SO excited to hang out with Nonna, Papa, Chi-Chi, Dan, and the rest of the McCormick aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

This was the boys' first trip on a plane. Here's a little interview right as we parked at the airport and were about to walk in.


Waiting in the airport, watching a movie. (What did our parents do before portable movies, especially right on your cell phone?!)

Buckling (and unbuckling repeatedly) the seat belt is so fun. And don't worry, Holden's Bunny is buckled in with him. Safety first.

We went straight to Uncle Lindsay (Grady's brother) and Aunt Jean's house for Lindsay's famous ribs. I mean, they are really amazing. So fun!