Saturday marked the annual Governor's Cup...the biggest football game in the Bluegrass! Where the CATS battle the CARDS on the field. This year it was in Cardinal territory but the CATS came away with their first victory in years! The final score was 41-38 and it was one helluva game!
Thankful that my parents offered us their tickets and that the one & only game we attended this year turned out to be so awesome!
I am not sure who was more excited to see this movie...Adelaide or myself. I marked it on the calendar to see the day after Thanksgiving. If you have seen the trailer {above}, then you know that it is in-line with giving thanks and having gratitude for all that we have. So I felt it was fitting to see during the holiday season. While Ryan and I were away on our anniversary trip, I left the kids a few treats "Moana themed." The book & Moana doll for Adelaide. Maui for Aspen. The Coconut Bandits for Brighton. Adelaide has been obsessed with the book and the story of Moana so on the day we were set to see the movie, she could hardly wait to get to the theater.
From the moment the film started, we were both eyes wide open with awe & amazement. The animation is perfection. The soundtrack is one of the best, rivaling Frozen {in my opinion}. The plot and characters are unique & different from those of other Disney films. But it is in the life lesson that this movie speaks to your heart. A call to follow your heart and be who the voice inside you calls you to be. Plus it is a young girl/woman who is leading the charge in truly being herself.
My favorite song from the film is "How Far I'll Go" which fully captures the essence of Moana's struggle and need to follow her inner voice. It spoke so strongly to me and the struggle I often feel as being a "perfect" mom based on societies standards versus maintaining who I am & being strong for my children. I also feel like Adelaide is a mini Moana. She is fierce and pushes the envelope, yet I truly believe she is destined to be someone great as she follows her heart. Her & I couldn't even get out of the theater before downloading the soundtrack and playing it on repeat...belting our hearts out!
Dream BIG my little Moana girl and reach for the stars!
If you have not seen this movie, please do yourself a favor and check it out. You won't be disappointed with the wit, charm, and dreams it has to offer!
In our traditional fashion, we spent Thanksgiving with just our family in a place that aligned with our anniversary theme. I knew the Greenbrier was full of charm and things to do making it an easy pick for "wood" and "silver"; but what I didn't know was how truly magical it would be for our family, especially the kids.
We had been to the resort twice before: once the summer of 2012 just before Adelaide was born and then again in July of 2014 when Aspen was a wee baby. We had enjoyed many things that the gorgeous resort had to offer but with a summer feel. So we were anxious to see what was to offer in the fall/winter as they began to prepare for the holidays.
If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting the Greenbrier, then you know that southern hospitality is at an all-time high. Truly made to have their guests be as comfortable as possible on every level. Authentic in decor, activities, and all things culinary. No detail forgotten. Rich in history and the finest standard of loyalty.
But in June of this year, a horrific flood wiped out much of the town of White Sulpher Springs killing dozens and destructing an entire community. The owner of the resort shut down normal operations to open rooms and resources for the people of WV. A true testament to the heart of the Greenbrier, West Virginians, and the southern way.
There was a video that played in the resort on the Greenbrier channel. It was looped in with two others and I couldn't help but tear up each time it was played. Recounting the devastation then the coming together of the community to be #WestVirginiaStrong. It felt so fitting to be spending our Thanksgiving in a place where people maintained their thanks through an incredibly dark time. Pockets of this country could use a good trip to WV and a dose of what many people's reality look like on a daily basis.
We spent time exploring all that the resort had to offer. We marveled at their Christmas decorations and lights. Trees of beauty around every corner. Lights from the north entrance to the grande entrance and everywhere in between. Bowling. Carriage rides. Hikes. Tea time. Ice skating. Letter writing. Indulgence in champagne, homemade chicken pot pie, chocolate candies, chicken & waffles, and pumpkin pie. The kids were simply in awe of the entire experience. Walking {running} around the place like they owned it. Waving to every single passerby and quizzing them with questions or telling them stories of their day. It really was one of the most magical family vacations that we have taken, and I am holding on tight to the memories of the week.
The joy of seeing appreciation, thanks, and simple wonder through the eyes of your children is the best Thanksgiving experience one can have!
