This weekend, I loaded up the kids (and almost every outfit they own!) and headed to Hattiesburg to visit family. We left around 6AM on Wednesday morning and - thanks to the Eldridge's DVD player and plenty of "Veggie Tales" - we made it without any major outbursts. We were able to spend several hours with great friends Emily Kines (we've been friends since we were three!) and her kids Anne Elise and Ava on our way through Jackson. She treated us to yummy Chicken Salad Veronique and mac 'n cheese for the kids. Three hours quickly flew by and then we headed for Hattiesburg!

In the meantime, Kendal was back in Arkadelphia. We missed him so much during our visit but took lots of pics so he feels part of the action. He had a nice time at home, I think, helping some friends move into their new house and celebrating the recent engagement of friends Aaron and Rachel. Next time, he's coming with us to MS!

It was a pretty packed few days, but we had a great visit. We spent lots of time with my grandmother, Mama Diket, who recently turned 96 and is one of the most special people in the world to me. The kids were a little wild during their visits, but they did settle down enough to "bump heads" lovingly with Mama Diket and give us good time to visit. I truly believe she prayed the twins here and I am so, so grateful for her love.

We had a great time with my parents, sister and her boyfriend Matt over the trip. The twins enjoyed their first sushi dinner (well, chicken teriakyi and fried rice) during my dad's 59th b'day dinner - you can see Carli playing "chopsticks" above! Jackson and Carlisle really liked the miso soup, too! They also got to enjoy a Hattiesburg treat, Gold Post, as well as Bianchi's pizza. But their favorite part of the trip by far was trick-or-treating at Southern Miss! We dressed the kids (again!) in their bumblebee costumes and headed to the college campus. The students were getting ready for Homecoming and set up candy stations as they decorated their floats. The kids were a hit, especially in their USM black and gold! They are pictured here with the Tri Delta ladies, my sister's sorority. Good times!

We also had time to do a little shopping... Mom and I found a fantastic children's clothing trunk sale and got some precious outfits for the twins - look for photos soon! We also found the cutest rocking chairs for toddlers at Big Lots, my new favorite, favorite store.