Eli's first trip to The Grill

For those of you from Duluth, you know how important The Grill is to Old Duluth. For those of you who aren't from Duluth, let me explain.

The Grill, also known as The Rexall, is a small restaurant tucked inside of an old drugstore in which old local Duluthians frequent often. One of those locals being my grandfather. If you go there on most mornings, you can see a group of men, young and old, gathered in the back of the restaurant eating gravy biscuits, sipping on coffee, and telling far-fetched tales.

Since I was a little girl, potty trained that is (Papa's rule), my Papa would take me up to the grill for breakfast. Any child accompanying their father or grandfather would always get educated while partaking of their 3 small pancakes with butter. There are many things I myself learned from eating at The Grill with my grandfather: like how to make a lie sound like the truth and how to hold your own when talking with a bunch of old men about football, basketball, or whatever sport's season it was.

Now that you somewhat understand...today was Eli's first trip to The Grill. Papa and Nana took us down there to eat for lunch. (I don't think Eli's ready for the morning crowd yet.) Papa was so cute showing Eli off to everyone in the restaurant. I had such a great time and was delighted to continue on the tradition of going to eat with my Papa at The Rexall with Eli. And I was honored that Nana came along for the trip as well. Here are the photos from the day.

Papa showcasing Eli around The Grill.

Nana with her sweet little great-grandson. I didn't mention we also took him to her work to show him off to LOTS of co-workers. She works at the local bank in town and has since I can remember.

Eli in the kitchen with all of Papa's girlfriends.

Eli and Papa playing together at their house.

Holiday Festivities

Our Christmas break was quite different this year. Eli made things a whole lot different for us. We had such a great time loving on him and sharing him with all of our friends and family.

We made a quick trip to Mobile after Christmas to see some family and then had some of our friends come visit us to celebrate the New Year. It is crazy what all can happen in a year's time. I can remember pleading to the Lord around this time last year that I just wanted to know what was going on and where He would take us. There were lots of uncertain things happening then and I just thought, "What is God doing?" Well I guess he was up to some major things. Since pleading with Him, we have had lots of major changes. Chris and I were just talking about it last night that at this time last year we weren't pregnant, he worked at a different school and had different coaching jobs than now, and I was still a third grade teacher. Now we have a son, Chris has a new job, and I stay at home! Wow! I'm glad God didn't reveal all of that to me this time last year...I might of freaking out and had an anxiety attack! We are so thankful for all God has done in our lives and we know that each gift and every day is given to us from above. Here are some pics from the holidays.

All of us picking out our Christmas trees.
Eli in his Christmas pjs with reindeer hat from Aunt Emily.
Eli and me by his new stocking. I have the same picture of me with my mom at my first Christmas. Our whole extended family has this same stocking made with love by Mrs. Mary Evelyn Jackson. She had Eli's made the day after he was born!
Eli visiting with his great grandmother, Francis. This is my grandfather's second wife. She is so sweet and took such great care of my grandfather through his battle with cancer.
The new Kirby family came for a visit. Congrats Zach and Kate!
Eli with his new friends, Haleigh, Madison, Zoie, and Alex. Haleigh and Zoie belong to Noelle and Madison and Alex belong to Jessica. Noelle and Jessica are my friends from Young Harris. We got together a few days before Christmas to hang out and catch up. It was great to see them.
Chritmas night reading the Christmas story with Eli. This is a family tradition.
Chris, Eli, Trei, and Brock at the Akridge-Stallworth-Hendrickson Christmas party.
Eli met Coach Jeff Ward. He is one of Chris's best friends.
Jocelyn looking on at Eli.
Girls, girls everywhere! Reese and Kiley and Gabbie and Jocelyn hanging out on New Year's Day with Eli. He didn't know what to think of all those girls. It was great seeing you guys - Hawarahs' and Blacks'!