Southern Dumplings: Fall for Family Part II

Wow, what a beautiful, jam-packed weekend! It all began on Friday at the Cliffs of Glassy for my cousin's wedding. The view of the mountain landscape was the perfect backdrop for her vows. After the ceremony, we snapped a few pictures before heading to downtown Greenville for her reception at Larkins on the River.

My boys...aren't they just precious!

Side note...these might be my favorite pair of pumps! I cannot tell you how long I've had them, but they're super comfy and still look great!

Her reception was an intimate affair with unique touches of fall. You know I love burlap and fall colors, so this reception was right up my alley! After hors d'oeuvres and dinner, Ham and Allie hit the dance floor. They were adorable! My Ham even went to get his "princess," the bride, for a dance. He's really too much!

When the kids were ready for a change of scenery, we walked around downtown to hit up a coffee house and ice cream parlor, Spill the Beans. It was the perfect spot for us; they'll mix coffee into your ice cream! Score for tired parents!!

The next morning, we left for Tiger Town to celebrate Clemson's homecoming. With the game being at 7, we knew we were just going to tailgate and come home when everyone went into the game. I was pleasantly surprised that the kids did so well. Tailgating for a night game can be a long day for adults; add four kids to the mix...things could go down hill really fast!

The kids love seeing the displays each year to see what kind of new perch on which they can have their picture taken. While the gang was viewing the displays, we got to catch up with Hannah, a former youth group member from church. It's funny to see Jared go into Daddy mode with her, making sure she's safe and happy on campus. He truly thinks of them all as his own!

After tailgating, we took my sister Leslie and brother-in-law Philip back to the airport near campus to fly home. Philip offered to take us up with the kids to see the stadium from the air. I was so impressed with the kids. Of course, Allie loves to fly with her daddy, but Hamilton and Parker loved it just as much. Ham giggled the whole time and Parker fell asleep. You know I trust the pilot when I take my whole family up in a personal plane! Just to brag on Philip a bit...yes, he's a military trained pilot who has flown overseas, but to see him in his element is so neat! He even cut the engine and glided us in for a landing!

On Sunday we drove up to Asheville to visit my sister Julie and her husband Erik. Hamilton wanted to go to church with his DeeDee and Papa, so we headed up early to do some shopping with Parker.
They cooked us a heavenly Southern meal of BBQ, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, grilled corn, and coleslaw. For dessert, we had a pumpkin bread trifle and s'mores over the fire pit. I think I ate like it was going to be my last meal!

Julie, Erik and Lucy

Her house was festively decorated and she had gift bags filled with goodies for all of the kids. She's so thoughtful and loves to spoil her niece and nephews; they're lucky to have Auntie Jules in their little lives! Here are Parker and Walt in their new hats.