Two families, two turkeys and two sons

The holidays are a magical and beautiful time of the year -- time for getting together with family, cooking comforting favorites like apple pie and cornbread dressing and making the home look festive; however the holidays can also be a bit stressful with traveling, traffic, a tired toddler and attempting to split time as fairly as possible between three families.

Brandon and I try to alternate spending holidays with our extended families each year. This Thanksgiving week, we excitedly made our way up to Ft. Worth to visit his dad, Rod and step-mom, Laura as well as his mom, Barbara and step-dad, Mike. It's always a great time getting to see everyone though things can get a little hairy, unloading and packing and unloading and packing and unloading again between two homes -- the traveling is most hard on Jackson who has to readjust just as he seems to settle in which can make for a very cranky boy -- especially when he's simultaneously cutting his second molar. It's difficult not to inevitably and unintentionally hurt someone's feelings because we can't be everywhere at once. Brandon's parents live fairly close to one another but my parents are seven hours away from Ft. Worth in south Texas. It would be virtually impossible to see all three for any one holiday but we do the best we can. We had an absolutely fantastic week -- hanging out with Rod and Laura, taking Jackson with them to meet Santa for the first time (he cried, of course), seeing Ice at the Gaylord Texan, running errands, helping to decorate one of the beautiful Christmas trees in their home and a ton of football and delicious food. Laura is an out of this world cook.

Over at Barbara and Mike's we took Jackson to the zoo (his favorite animals were the sloth bears), played in the falling leaves and Jackson gorged himself on blueberries. He's nutty for berries.

It was wonderful to get a block of time to spend up there -- even if the actual traveling process is less than easy. Did I tell you we had a fish and a pumpkin in tow?! Time with family is worth the butt cramps (5 hour car ride) and curse words (Brandon and traffic, ah thank you). While we were visiting, Sara, my best friend and fellow new momma, came by with her adorable little spud Jude. Talk about a personality! That little guy is flirting with those big brown eyes of his like he's been at it for years -- and he's only three months old! Jackson was giving him kisses and very into him though I caught some definite attitude once Jude had gone. It will be interesting to see how he reacts to his new little brother in a few months. That's right! We're having another BOY! We're all so happy and excited -- Brandon practically did a backflip in the doctor's office. We're thinking of naming him Preston but we're a little stuck on the middle name. Help us? I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. Did you try any new recipes? Brandon made the best turkey I have ever had. He smoked it... Delicious. I made a couple apple pies with crumb toppings that seemed to be crowd pleasers. I'll post the recipe soon with pictures! I think I'm making it again for my parents' families come Christmas. I'm glad we have a couple weeks before we have to pack the baby (and the fish) back up to hit the road... Though I do love me an open road. Happy living.