It's been awhile!

 Bad Blogger...I know...I haven't updated in quite some time! Be prepared for picture overload!


So...over 2 weeks ago...almost 3 weeks ago... Tessa and I ventured to the great up north to celebrate Thanksgiving and Tessa's birthday. Casey had to stay home and work...not too easy to get the busiest shopping time of the year off when you work in retail.

Our drive 5 hour drive went great! Tessa took a quick 30 minute nap the beginning of the drive. When she fell asleep I totally thought she would sleep for a good hour or so, when she woke up after only 30 short minutes I thought for sure the drive was going to be a disaster. THANKFULLY it went great! We read books, ate a lot of snacks, played a lot of peek-a-boo and passed the time. It was night not having to drive too. I think she stayed in a good mood because I was in the back seat keeping her occupied.

We stopped in Mackinaw City to say a quick hello to my Grandma Red! She was happy to see us and of course give Tessa a big dose of Grandma Red love!

After eating some cheese cake we were on our way across the Mighty Mac and into St.Ignace! I just love being home. Its crazy driving through town and not passing a SINGLE car! Big change when your used to people cutting you off and running stop lights!

The first couple of days were nice and relaxing. The boys (Dad and Jason) were out at hunting camp so it was nice and quiet! When they got home we had a pre-Thanksgiving dinner! My parents got a free Turkey from the grocery store so on Monday we had a pre-Thanksgiving dinner! It was super yummy! Tessa was NOT a fan of her Uncle Jason at first. Every time she looked at him she would cry! Right before he had to leave she started to warm up to him.

Tessa really hasn't seen snow before since she was just a little baby last winter! She was always looking out the door...mostly because Mom and the dog were outside but I think she was also interested in the white stuff out side! My parents bought Tessa some blocks for her birthday! Tessa wasn't too big of a fan at the time but we play with them all the time now! She loves them! She always hands them to me over and over and over and over...and over again. :-)

My parents have this big mirror in there bedroom. As soon as Tessa had a chance to scoot away she would crawl into their bedroom and kiss and talk to herself in the mirror! It was the cutest thing!

On Thanksgiving we went out to my Grandma Red's. It was packed like always but also nice to see everyone. A lot of my family hasn't seen Tessa yet since we didn't come home for Christmas last year. My cousin Lisa was probably the most excited to see Tessa...maybe a little too excited. I had to ask her to please not eat my daughter!

Tessa stayed in a pretty good mood most of the day!

Tessa again LOVES when you play the guitar for her! :-)



The day of her birthday party finally arrived! I was so excited for Tessa's big day!

Here are a bunch of pictures from the party! We didn't get too many because everyone was just so busy with the party!

The Wall of Tessa!

Trying to get a picture of Nana and the birthday girl..Tessa wasn't cooperating!

Yay! A good picture!

She is getting sooo big! :-(

I think this is what she was thinking "LACY! MY PRESENTS! GET AWAY!" We are going to have to work on her attitude.....

Hmm...not too sure about the cake...

I put her hand in it since she was just poking at it!

Okay Mom...I'm done...

SHE WAS DONE!!!! She almost put her face right up to it but then everyone oooh and ahhhed and she was DONE!

Casey's family that came to the party! Tessa was playing with her toys during this picture :)

At the end of the day I realized I didn't get a picture with the birthday girl!

Its hard work being ONE!

It was a great time up north! We always have a lot of fun! A couple days later we packed up the Jeep and tackled the long drive once again! This time my parents came back down with us! Dad will be here until the end of December and my mom will be here until she gets sick of us :-)

Here are a couple more pictures of Tessa...just in case you haven't seen enough!

At Hayden's 4th Birthday bash!

She LOVES this!!! She opens and closes the door, window, and mailbox!

Eating some ymmy cookies! She is starting to get some hair too! A lot more in the back than on top...she may be sporting a mullet soon!

BIG SMILES! I love those cheeks!!

See ya later!!!!!

We have an appointment soon with a professional photographer (after having to cancel the first session bc the power went out...yes...wonderful luck). Can't wait to share those pictures with you!

Until next time....Peace, Love, and TESSA!

ps...I know I won't get another post in before Christmas so...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!