Merry Christmas!!!

It's Christmas Eve and I am finishing up at work. Tonight we will join my mother, father and Grandmother at an early church service. Then, Kevin and I will head home to share a quiet Christmas eve together. In the morning, we will head to my sister-in-laws (as early as we can!) to see what Santa brought our nieces and nephew. They'll run around showing off their gifts as the adults enjoy some yummy breakfast casseroles. After that, we'll join my parents and Grandmother to open gifts with them and then we'll have a Christmas dinner feast with friends and family (including the Middleton's and my cousin Chris & his girlfriend). Finally, the day after Christmas we'll go to my in-laws.

The only thing missing is my brother and his fiance, Sarah. Thank goodness for Skype as we'll be on the computer with them in cyber-space tomorrow! :)


As you can see, it certainly is a busy (and sometimes stressful) time of year, but it is so worth it to be surrounded by friends and family (whether in person or on the computer!). I hope everyone has a very happy holiday and remembers what's important this time of year.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Love the Thomas'

photography by Danielle Anthony (highly recommended!)

Lilly, our three year old neice, visited last weekend. Here's a short video clip of her showing off her dance skills!

Our little princess!

I know it's a month past Halloween, but I just got these pics off my camera and had to share. My sister-in-law gave us this Halloween costume for Bailey. We put it on her just long enough to get a few pics. It was pretty hilarious!

She wasn't crazy about the wig!

New Kids Pics!

We had the BEST time!!! :)

I *heart* NKOTB!!!!!

Lee and I went to the New Kids on the Block concert in Charlotte last night. We had the best time! I can honestly say it was one of the BEST concerts I have ever been to!!! There were a ton of people there (mostly women... about 30 yrs old). Everyone was wearing NKOTB t-shirts, buttons, hats and dressed like the 80's. Our tickets were in the 'nose bleed' section, but for some reason we were told that we were chosen to be moved to a better section! We were right in front of the stage! The guys had so much energy and seemed so happy to be there. I think that is the main reason why the show was so good. They talked to the crowd and made it personal. They played oldies like 'Cover Girl', 'Tonight', 'Step by Step' and 'I'll be Loving You Forever' (which was Jordan's solo... he was raised up high with a white, unbuttoned shirt blowing as he sang!). They also played new songs off their new album, The Block. Honestly, I wasn't crazy about the new album... I just don't listen to much pop music... however, after that show and seeing them singing the songs live, I really like it!!! I got a few pictures on my phone, so they aren't great, but I'll post some soon.

North Carolina State Fair

We spent the day at the fair today...literally. We were there for almost seven hours! The only reason I go is for the animals and the food. We had country ham biscuits, grilled corn-on-the-cob dripping with hot butter, handmade hot apple dumplings with homemade ice cream, fried pecan pie, fresh squeezed lemonade, barbecue sandwich and a frozen banana dipped in chocolate!





Between all that eating, we checked out the kids art exhibits, stopped by the Obama/Biden booth, looked at all the cows, pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep, turkeys, chickens and chicks. I even held an adorable baby duck...






One of my favorite things we did this year was milk a cow...yes, I actually milked a cow!! It was pretty cool...




I was surprised by how much milk I got out. I thought it would have been harder to get the 'technique" right.

All in all, it was a fun day. Cold, but not raining, so that was good! I am exhausted now and ready for a nap.

TEN YEARS?!?!?

I went to my 10 year high school reunion last weekend. It was so bizarre to be around all those folks from high school, again. There were people I was excited to see, people I could care less to see, people I didn't want to see and even people I forgot that I'd see! I mingled and did my best to keep a smile on my face... even when I approached one of my high school bullies. Brandon Johnson, also known as 'BJ', used to make fun of me every single day. Well, I am not one to hold a grudge and figured I just say hi to him. So, I walked right over and hello... after a brief "Hey! How have YOU been!?" he immediately picked on me as if we were still in high school. I am an adult now so I just laughed it off and got away as quickly as possible....but still... really, BJ? Are you that unaware of what a jerk you were?! Oh well. I have to brush it off and remember that I won't see him again for, at least, another 10 years! :) Here are some pics from the night...

Wedding time

This weekend we went to our friend's rehearsal dinner and wedding in Southern Pines. The weather was perfect...not hot and not too cold. We had a wonderful time!

Lee, Lindsey (bride) & Jess

Kevin & Lee playing air guitar!

Lindsey & Ross

Kevin, Ross & Eric

OBX

We went to the Outer Banks last week with some friends. We stayed in Corolla, in a huge house right on the beach. Unfortunately, it was a bit cooler and very windy so we didn't get to lay on the beach much. It was a fun trip. We visited two lighthouses: Currituck & Bodie. We also stopped at the Wright Memorial on the way home. Here are some pictures from the trip...

On the windy beach!

The water was so rough, red flags were out that said "No Swimming"

Bodie Lighthouse

I had the BEST fish sandwich at this grill!

We climbed to the top...and it was windy!

Thanks to these guys, we can fly around the world!

Home again, home again

I have FINALLY recuperated after the ABC show. I got home Tuesday night and my poor feet were swollen! Is this yet another thing I have to look forward to with 'old age'??? That has never happened to me before. I have to assume it is from standing and walking around Vegas for six days straight (plus the long plane ride). This morning, they are starting to look normal, again. It took me a day to get over the slight jet lag. The show went great! Our booth was ginormous and turned out just how I had planned/imagined. We had great responses to all the new products and lots of orders. Each night, after the show, we went out to dinner with retailers and/or industry friends. It's always great to put faces to the voices you speak to so often.

During set up.

Lots of traffic.

Dinner with the manufacterers.

Me & Emily (no idea what was so funny!)

Alex, Kjell & Brenda

All the ladies going out. (Laura, Emily, LisBeth, Me, Brenda, Erin & Georgina)

Waiting in line at a casino.

Staying out until 4 am, three nights in a row takes a toll on you!!!