GiGi Visits SC

A while back when we planned our trip to Louisiana for November, we decided it would be a good time for Mom to come visit us. She usually flies up and back but this kept her from having to book a round trip. We had such a good time with her here. 

Matt had to work all but two of the days Mom was here so we had lots of Mom and Daughter time along with GiGi and Mason time! 

We did some shopping, some eating out, went to library story time, watched lots of Walker, Texas Ranger as I mentioned in a recent post and just had lots of fun! 

Matt took some pictures of the three of us as well as just Mom and Mason. 

 

 

 

We had an early Christmas exchange while Mom was here. She got us some great gifts and we gave her some new fuzzy warm socks! It was fun because Mason was really into it and he peeled paper off a little bit at a time and gave the pieces to Mom. It was so funny! 

We also were able to capture some sweet moments between Mom and Mason. Here they are reading. 

And swinging...

And playing...

On Mom's last night here, we got to go to a Christmas event downtown. It didn't go totally as planned but we still had fun! 

Christmas PJ selfie one night! 

We had such a fun time with Mom here! Love you GiGi!

Our First Family Zoo Trip

My Mom gave Mason an annual zoo pass for his birthday. It's for the Greenville Zoo which is about 30 minutes from us. We were planning to visit for the first time when Mom was here but the available days were not zoo appropriate so we didn't get to go. 

Mom left last Wednesday and Matt was off Thursday and Friday so we decided to go on Friday. We woke up and it was cold and wet but we decided to go anyway since it was family day. 

Here we are prepped for the day! 

We got to the zoo a few minutes before it opened so we played a little bit with the stroller. 

Love my best guy. 

We loved the zoo. Mason met a goat and lots of other fun animals. He wasn't super active because it was cold but he was smiling the whole time. We can't wait to go back soon! 

Little Things Long Remembered by Susan Newman {A Book Review}

I recently read the book, Little Things Long Remembered, and this is my honest review for that book. This book was written by Susan Newman, PhD many years ago and was recently released in a new edition. When I was given the opportunity to review, I knew I wanted to because this kind of book is right up my alley. I love being aware of my loved ones' love languages and knowing what I can do to best make them feel special.

This is even more important now that I am a parent and this book couldn't have come at a better time because I've been struggling with ways to make my family feel special in light of our smaller income/budget these days.

This book, Little Things Long Remembered, helped to re-ignite my thoughts about special things I can do for Matt as well as Mason (and hopefully more future Morgan kiddos one day). Susan presents over 500 ways to make our children feel special. She presents these ideas in chapters including: Five Minutes or Less, Half an Hour to an Hour or So, Weekend Fun and others. This was super helpful to me because sometimes you need a good idea that doesn't take long because you don't have long. Other times, you have more time and wants something a little more involved.

I don't want to give away all of the ideas because I think everyone needs to get this book but I wanted to share a few of good ones!

Just Rewards

Treat your child to an ice cream or frozen yogurt, a cookie or a doughnut after a visit to the doctor.

Early Risers

Watch a sunrise (or sunset) together.

Read the Comics to them until they can read them to you.

So many of these ideas are so simple but hard to think of at times. This book ties up all of the fun ideas into one book. While reading, I was reminded of a book called Love Notes on His Pillow. I read this book several times to help me remember those special little ways I can show love to my husband. This book is so similar just geared towards kids.