We are {FaMiLy}

{Family has ALWAYS meant the world to me. I've always loved family get togethers, spending time with cousins, chatting with relatives, etc. I've always been thankful for the wonderful people God put in my life. I didn't think it was possible to be more thankful until some events in my life changed my definition of "family" forever. These past couple years have been filled with so much joy but at the same time a lot of heartache. I've been left feeling - a little empty - and very, very confused. While there are lots of questions I'll never have answers to, someone once told me that for every loss there is a gain. I've tried to look at things in life with that perspective. I may have lost someone so very special, but it brought me even closer to the rest of my family. And when Trice was born, I really leaned on family for support. I just wanted to take a moment to say, "Thank You" to the amazing ladies in my family who have stepped in when others have stepped out. You don't know how much it means to know I have someone to call in the middle of the night, a shoulder to cry on, a bed to sleep in when I'm visiting, nurse advice, and a friend. I truly have the best sister-in-laws, mother-in-law, aunts, cousins, and grandmas a girl could ask for. I'm glad I got to spend some time with some of you this weekend. It's never enough and I wish we lived closer}.

With that being said, Trice and I had an amazing trip home this past weekend/week. My aunt Jeanne let us stay at her place and spoiled Trice a lot while we were there! I got pretty spoiled, too, with candy dishes every three feet. My newest obsession is the simply caramel milky ways .. Mmm..

It always makes me sad that there's not enough time to visit everyone when we're back home. It's even harder now timing it around naps, nursing, etc. but all of that is a blessing and I don't mind Trice being in charge!

On Saturday, aunt Cheryl stopped by in the morning and then we headed to town.

Robyn hosted a "Meet Trice" shower for me. It was so much fun and I loved getting to see a few friends I hadn't seen in awhile. Trice got some super cute gifts, too! Oh, and the cake was deeelliiccious!

We were competing for the best diaper - I think Sarah/Steph won!

Trice getting all sorts of snuggles!

We played really fun games!!

Trice got lots of adorable gifts!

On Sunday, we had a family dinner so everyone could get together and see Trice. I had fun catching up with everyone and Trice was entertained for hours by my cousins. I even snuck a nap in while Trice snoozed on aunt Tracy.

Proud cousin Ally

Katie loves Trice!

On Monday, I got to have lunch at my favorite pizza place (Breadeaux) with two of my favorite people and my darling little miss Lily. It was nice to catch up with them! After that we headed to get some pictures taken of the little man. He was less-than-interested so we didn't stay long but I knew Ashley would still get a couple cute ones and she did! After that we went and visited aunt Kaitlin and she got to snuggle Trice for a little bit. I hadn't been to the cemetery in a while to visit Lauren's grave so Trice and I stopped out there and I told him all about Lauren. I can't wait to tell him stories as he grows! Then we went and saw Amanda and Anthony's house and visited with them for a bit.

Miss you so much, Lauren. I know you are loving on him from Heaven.

 On Tuesday, I just relaxed at Jeanne's and Grandma Donna came out for a bit to play with Trice. Benny called us on skype while she was there so he got to see the little guy playing. We went in and saw Grandma Jaris for a little bit and then ate my favorite pizza AGAIN with some family!

Grandma's Little Peanut

I woke up Wednesday and loaded everything and got on the road. I made a quick stop to say Hi to Jake and Kaitlin. I stopped in Atlantic real quick so my grandma Elaine could meet Trice and I had lunch there. Then we were on our way!

It was a wonderful trip home and a much needed getaway for this mama. It made the time Benny was away go much faster and I was so busy I hardly had time to be sad. I'm still trying to convince Benny we need to move back home - no luck yet.