Last year we were on the road to Georgia when we got a call about a possible exposure and had to turn around. It was devastating, especially for Hailey who loves the week as much as I do. This year, we fully anticipate a healthy and wonderful time full of seeing so much family on my favorite southern whirlwind.

Mom, the girls, and I take off today for Wilmington, NC for Hailey’s soccer tournament. It will be fun to see the ocean and kick off the week. Any restaurant recommendations? I know nothing about the area!

I finally feel like I am getting my head back above water. Finley slept through the night again last night and that is making all the difference. She’s already noticeably (to me) bigger, running faster, and getting more of the sleek vizsla body style and a little less adorable puppy pudge. I also love that having her is already getting us outside more; I find I’m even enjoying the early morning as long as I have my Costco coat and a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Puppies are the absolute cutest, but it made me laugh when David wandered into the kitchen two mornings ago, filled his coffee cup, looked me in the eyes and said “OK, I’m ready for a dog.”

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I have something I feel like I need to admit to you and while I know I don’t owe anyone an explanation on our life choices, here goes…

We got a fake tree. (pausing here for gasps of horror)

Any friend that has been reading for a while knows how much I LOVE our real Christmas trees. We buy them big and it’s a huge production and it just makes my heart so happy.

However, last year’s tree had a ton of tiny black bugs in it, so sap and bugs and pine needles ended up all over the presents. That paired with the fact that David’s allergies to real trees have him almost unable to breathe for the first week we have it AND a new puppy, we decided to go fake.

I thought I’d be sad. I thought Hailey would be sad. Turns out we both are pretty thrilled not to have to water it, to not have needles everywhere, to be able to put it up on a whim, and that the lights are already on it. There hasn’t been even an ounce of sadness.

Yesterday we decorated it (it’s 12 glorious feet tall) and David helped add the ribbon when he got home from work and I love how cozy it makes our living room feel!

Are you feeling the holiday spirit yet? Once upon a time I was a bold “nothing until after Thanksgiving” supporter and I totally get those that still are. But time has softened me and I’ve become more in the “do what brings you joy” camp and decorating before Thanksgiving, especially with our whirlwind of travel, brings us immense joy.

We also have started watching Christmas movies and baking more, too. I’m giving away a baking kit in partnership with Tastefully Simple on IG right now. Just leave a comment on the reel/post if you want a chance to win!

A couple last things I wanted to share:

• The tables I ordered turned out to be exactly what I was after! No, it’s not fully decorated yet, but it’s so nice to have a spot to set up our decorations. Now I’m on the lookout for a new dining lighting fixture and a dining room table. I feel like I live on Facebook marketplace right now looking for one.
• Kaitlyn loves basketball. She has only had one practice but she now asks to go practice in the driveway. I played her yesterday and she’s a bear on defense; all over me. It’s going to be fun to watch her!

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• Mom came up yesterday and we spent the afternoon outside on the most perfect fall day. I’m soaking in all the gorgeous leaves, as they are beginning to drop fast. North Carolina really shows off in the fall.
• Our love for Catan (currently on sale!) is still strong. We ate copycat Cava bowls and played with the expansion pack last night. Hailey beat us all. Any other similar games you would recommend that might make a good family Christmas present?

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And that’s pretty much a full (overly?) detailed report on life currently around here. I don’t know how much I’ll be blogging next week. I might take it all off or I might pop in everyday because I’m still so enjoying this chatting with you everyday style.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and if you’re checking out of social and the online world for the next week, I hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving as well!