The Polar Express

Last Friday night we boarded the Polar Express! 

I think the kids were excited to ride to the North Pole and see Santa!!

A little backstory for you before I begin this post - When I taught 4th grade we took the Polar Express on a field trip and I thought it was awful. It might have been because I was trapped on a train with 40 fourth graders and they were so loud we couldn't hear the story. When Jennifer told me we were going on this Polar Express trip I shared my experience with her. I was worried. She told me that she thought this time would be better. Plus it was with some of my favorite people so I had high hopes for this trip!

Since it was Black Colorful Friday and I work retail I couldn't make it to the train ride until right before we boarded but they had some fun activities for the kids to do before and after. The kids got to write letters to Santa and roast marshmallows.

We had to walk a long way to get to our boarding spot. We heard that the train would be arriving in less than 5 minutes so we put the kids on our shoulders so they could watch the Polar Express arrive. They were so excited and just so happy! So far so good. 

We boarded the train and found our seats. I really wanted to get a picture of me and the girls for my Christmas card. Hadley's eyes were closed in every picture. oh well.

It was time to leave the station and make our way to the North Pole! 

Hadley watching us leave the station!

The conductor came around and punched our golden tickets. Myles was having the best time. 

Hadley and Harper are clearly so excited about the golden ticket. 

It was time for hot chocolate. The "chefs" danced down the aisle and handed out the hot chocolate and cookies. 

Myles and Kim loving their hot chocolate.

Harper enjoyed her hot chocolate too.

Every picture I took was blurry. I guess it was the motion of the train.

Finally we reached the North Pole! And guess who got on our train? Good ole St Nick! 

Really - this is the best picture I got! Ha! 

But these kids got a great picture! 

Santa left the train and this happened...

The girls were out! 

I think I had a picture of how I thought this trip should be in my mind and it did not happen the way I had pictured it. I don't think it was as bad as my field trip but I still did not think it was fabulous. 

I am not sure that the Polar Express is worth the money. I asked Jennifer if the girls had said anything about it and she said nope.  But Myles, LouAnn, and Granny Janet all seemed to enjoy the trip! 

This is only my opinion and I know that lots of families go on the Polar Express and love it. I am just not one of those people.  I did love being with my friends! I enjoy anytime I can spend with them. Not all memories and activities have to be perfect. They are our memories and I am happy to have had the chance to experience this with my sweet friends! 

On Thanksgiving Day I read the Polar Express book to Harper. We just snuggled in a big chair at the cabin and enjoyed the book together.  I know I will treasure that Polar Express memory! 

Thanks for reading! And if you are planning a trip to ride the Polar Express, I hope you have a better time than me!

xoxo

a sunny state of mind

Last Sunday I flew down to Palm Beach for a trip with my Palm Village co-workers. I was beyond excited to have this opportunity to visit Palm Beach and learn more about the Lilly Pulitzer brand. 

The first night we stayed at The Colony in Palm Beach. The rooms were super girly and just so adorable.

We were close to the beach so we took a walk down to the beach to put our toes in the water. It was so warm. I couldn't get over how warm the water was and that it was November! 

After a stroll on the beach we headed back to the Colony and freshened up for drinks and dinner at the Breakers. It was a long walk but we got to see some beautiful homes and buildings. We all had blisters on our feet when we made it to the Breakers!

We stopped to take some pictures. If you are on snapchat you can get some really cute Lilly Pulitzer filters. I am not on snapchat but Alex is so we got to use them!

 Alex, me, Eleanor, and Lesa

My pretty pink drink and Alex! 

It was dark but I tried to get a picture of the beach. It was a site I hope to remember. 

When we walked back up to our room our beds were turned down with a chocolate at the pillow! 

On Monday morning we woke up bright and early and headed out for a bike ride. This had to be one of my favorite activities. We were able to see the island and got a great workout too! 

 We saw some pretty flowers and trees.

 Flagler Museum

This tree was so neat. It looked like a sea creature. It was very cool.

The bike ride was one of those memories that I will always think back on as a happy time. I really enjoyed this activity. I know when it is cold and dreary I will think back to the bike ride and it will make me smile!

We had to check out of our hotel and head to another hotel for the rest of our trip. But we looked around Worth Ave. first!   

We visited the Lilly store C.Orrico and I picked up some cute souvenirs for Hadley and Harper!

The next morning we woke up early and headed to the Lilly Pulitzer studio in Palm Beach! 

So pretty! 

Alex (the assistant manager at the Asheville store), me, and Luana (the manager at our Mandeville, LA store)

I wish I could share more of the trip but the rest is a surprise! So this is it! I will tell you that I learned so much and I am so excited for what my future holds with this bright and fun company!

It was great to see Palm Beach and experience it. Palm Beach is the birthplace of the Lilly Pulitzer brand. I feel like I understand the brand just a little bit more!

xoxo

October

October

Rocktober

My favorite time of year

Years ago my students used to sing those words in music class during the month of October. They loved it! So 90% of the time when I say October, I sing that song (in my head, not out loud)! It's the simple things in life that make me smile! A little side note- December is really my favorite time of year!

I spent most of October recovering from my car accident. I had to deal with insurance companies, rental car companies, the chiropractor and car salesmen. It has been a hassle but thankfully it looks like it is almost over.

I did manage to squeeze in a quick trip to see Hadley and Harper. They were having a fall festival at their school and I thought it would be fun to go with them.

Christmas is right around the corner and I am trying to get a Christmas card picture. Here are a few outtakes. Needless to say these will not be my Christmas card picture! 

Facebook reminded me of this old memory.  Same spot just 5 years ago. 

I mean look how cute they are?! I know I say it all the time but I am blessed that these girls are in my life!

Just one more funny picture!

I'm still trying to get a Christmas card picture! ha!

Jennifer is the room mom for the girls class and she made this craft for the silent auction at the fall festival. Each kid designed a heart. 

Harper drew a picture of her and Hadley. So sweet!

They had this orange truck for a photo opportunity. 

My fall festival outfit.

The sunset made for a pretty picture. 

The girls tried out the rock climbing wall. They didn't make it to the top but they really worked hard to get there. I just don't think it was made for their short legs. They needed a wall that was made for a five year old.

A quick selfie before I headed home. 

While Jennifer and I were shopping at Target we found these cute Halloween tees. I thought the candy in the belly was adorable. Jennifer found the slippers that Harper is modeling. Now they will have super warm feet. 

I really wish they would stop growing. Harper looks so grown up in this picture.

My friend Traci popped into the Lilly store to say hello. I loved getting to see her. She moved to the beach in July!

I spent the next few days/weeks looking at cars and going to the chiropractor. My car was considered a total loss. I was very sad. My Acura was paid for and I really loved driving it.

Pure Barre was holding Pop-up classes the month of October in different locations. We hosted one of the classes for Asheville at the Lilly store. 

I think it was a fun event. I hope all the Pure Barre ladies had a good time!

After countless hours of researching cars and several test drives I finally decided on a car. I went with a Honda Accord. I had such mixed emotions on getting a new car. I was so bummed out about not having my old car but kind of excited to get something new. I love the new car smell and all the fancy features this new car has but I have a car payment...and that is not fun! 

Right before I drove off the lot.
If you need a new or pre-owned Honda or Acura, go see my friends Adam and Jeanie at Apple Tree Honda in Asheville. They were super patient with me while I tried to figure out what I wanted.

Jennifer sent this picture to me of Harper in her classroom. I think she has fabulous handwriting for a beginning Kindergartner. 

(it was pajama day at school)

Remember when I posted about my cousin Lauren's gender reveal and baby shower?
Well baby Piper made her appearance this month!

Welcome to the world!

I had to run into the mall the other day and I ran into my friend Jamie! I hate going to the mall so running into Jamie made it worth the trip.

Halloween is not really my favorite time of year...I don't like scary costumes, ghost, movies, or being scared. So throwing on my Lilly Minnie Mouse ears is the extent of my dressing up.

 Alex, Molly, and me (my Lilly's co-workers).
I think it is funny that we are all dressed in black. Black is a rare occurrence at the Lilly store!

I will end my October recap with these trick or treaters

Hadley Sophia the first , Unicorn Harper, Veterinarian McKinley, Dinosaur Miles

xoxo