into the swing of things.

We've been back from our trip to Missouri/Arkansas for two days now.

It is always hard to get back into the swing of things

when you've spent days just lounging around, 

eating yummy turkey

(and stuffing, and casseroles, and salads, and rolls, and pies).

Oh my.

 We had a great time seeing both of our families and are looking forward to 

doing it again in less than a month for Christmas. 

I was horrible about taking pictures this time for some unknown reason 

and I only caught a few on my phone.

Christmas will be different.

Christmas will be different.

(Just gotta keep telling myself that.)

But back in Louisville, 

Jonny is studying hard and finishing up a paper.

He has finals this week, and a big paper due on Thursday. 

That night we will celebrate by going to a Getty's Christmas concert!

Festive.

I've been writing Christmas cards and getting things organized.

I'm 24 weeks pregnant today. 

I know that still leaves quite a while before the baby's here,

but I just love thinking he'll be here soon!

We keep acquiring things for baby boy, our bedroom already looks like he is here! 

merry and bright.

We are well into the holiday season around here.

We decided to put the tree up, ohhh about two weeks ago today.

ha.

I don't know what came over Jonny, 

Halloween happened and he said to me, 

"I guess we could put the tree up anytime now."

Whoa.

What?

Um... ya... okay, let's do it! 

He had been telling me we definitely couldn't put it up until after my birthday, Nov. 7th.

But my man musta been feelin' festive.

It's pretty funny, 

when our tree goes up, 

its a pretty sure shot that if you're looking for either of us, 

you can find us in the living room

admiring it's glow

and singing

"Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree"

(okay, the singing is an exaggeration...but nothing else).

We got a new loveseat too, which makes the living room extra cozy.

Let the Christmas movie marathons begin!

Do you have any favorite Christmas movies? 

We're open to suggestions!

I know a lot of you are probably thinking, she. is. nuts. But hear me out here, 

we're out of town for Thanksgiving, visiting family. 

And we're visiting family again for two weeks at Christmas/New Year's

so really I'm not nuts.

Just trying to maximize our time under the glow of the tree guys....that's all!

And one day, when we don't travel for the holidays but family comes to our house, 

we'll give Thanksgiving a real chance, 

promise.

embrace the camera

hanging out in the great smokey mountains.

This weekend Jonny took me to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. 

We've been wanting to visit since we've lived in Louisville

and my wonderful husband figured my 24th birthday would be just the occasion.

We left Friday afternoon and got back Sunday night.

It was such a fun weekend.

We soaked up, what very well may be, our last getaway as just the two of us.

Our little BOY should be here in March.

I cannot even explain to you how much I laughed and smiled over the weekend, 

we just had a great time together.

This semester has been incredibly hectic, we both have busy schedules 

and on a good week are fortunate to spend one night at home together. 

So a whole weekend of uninterrupted time with my best friend was perfect.

(Try to ignore the fact that my coat is now too small, thanks to baby boy.)

Before you get into the actual park there is a town called Gatlinburg.

It's a quaint town full of neat shops and touristy things; 

just before you get into Gatlinburg there is a town called Pigeon Forge.

That place is the equivalent of Branson, Missouri,

full of cheesy shows, go carts, restaurants and other things that suck your money.

But, finally you reach nature, preserved from the gimmicks of man

 and it is an overwhelming breath of fresh air.

 

We saw at least 30 turkeys, 

And a bear cub napping in a tree. 

Well...let me rephrase that. I saw the bear cub.

Jonny forgot his glasses!

*Just a little FYI*

The Great Smokey Mountains are home to the second tallest peak in the eastern United States.

And lest you think we didn't document baby boy's trip to the Smokey's, 

think again.

He managed to show up quite obviously in this silhouette!

Ahh, the mountain breeze was so refreshing and the views weren't too bad either.