Every year in Chicago

Max and I spend Thanksgiving with his family. We look forward to going and eating good food and shopping the Mag mile. Not sure if you all have experienced this, but there is not much out there that I really wanted to buy this year. Very unusual for me!

We stay at a hotel right off the Mag Mile - and I usually spend a ton of time shopping. The boys are always watching football, so it gives us girls some time to do some retail therapy! Below are a few pictures from our trip.

Mom and Dad Jodry and Al-bob (max's brother) in front of the tree at the Drake Hotel

Max and me in front of the Christmas tree in our hotel. It was an American Girl Christmas tree!

Isn't She Fabulous?

This picture was taken by Jake's sister, Courtney Ellis. This captures so much of this precious litte one's personality! I hope it makes your day like it made mine!

For the next 2 years...

We found out this week that Max was accepted into the professional MBA program at SMU (Southern Methodist University) in Dallas! He will be going to school at night and working during the days. The next two years of our lives are going to be busy and different!

I could not be happier for him and am so proud of him! Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store next for us! Off to studying (already!) for Max. He has 300 pages to read and 3 exams he must take before the first day of school!

Happy Halloween from the Puppies!

Max and I gave out candy to trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood and then went to his parents house to hand out candy. When we got there, we found this...

Archer "man" was a cow this year!

Ava was a frog!

Archer wondering "when can I get out of this?"

The puppies at the front door a little scared of some of the costumes!

Max's daddy took the dogs for their own "costume fitting" at this dog shop so that his "grand dogs" could be in style for Halloween! This would also be a fitting time to tell you how much Max's daddy loves these dogs! It is hilarious and pretty sweet!

A Happy Anniversary

I have already posted a little bit about our 3rd anniversary. We were actually in Florida over our anniversary and came home to have an incredible dinner at one of our favorite places, Hibuscus, in Dallas.

Max, I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us next! I love you!

The Beach and Birthdays

I am a bit late posting pictures from our beach trip that we took with my family to celebrate my sister, Shelby's, birthday. She celebrated the big 3-0 and we celebrated together for almost a week! It was so fun to be together.

McCall stole all of our hearts as you can see (most of the pictures are of her). We go to Watercolor, which is by Seaside - and we just love it. We spent a ton of time riding bikes, eating great food and outlet mall shopping. They guys spent a lot of time on the golf course! Hope you enjoy...

McCall asking her auntie, "Why won't you play with me instead of taking my picture?"

Me and Max at this wonderful Taco Bar right by the beach!

My sweet family! It is so much fun to be all together!


Jake, my brother-in-law, and baby McCall! Amazing how much she looks like her daddy!

Max and Baby McCall just hanging out. She loves her Uncle Max!

Three of the best years of my life...

I am a little late posting, and yes, I know, I still need to post pictures from our trip to the beach. But, in the meantime, I wanted to make sure I did not miss the opportunity to acknowledge three of the best years of my life.

Max and I just celebrated 3 years of marriage (my where does time go?)! We were at the beach on our anniversary, but came home and went to a wonderful dinner! I have to say that I am the luckiest girl (I know many of you feel that way) on the face of the planet. I have the most loving, caring, compassionate, supportive and Godly husband. I am amazed every day by God's perfect plan and how He uniquely knit our lives together!

I love you Max with all of my heart! I can't wait to grow old together!