blogmas day 9 – sleigh bells ring. – the autoimmune hippie.

It’s been a busy Christmas week here in the Hippie Hut in the best way.

With a few days still to Christmas Eve, we have had a week worthy of Buddy the Elf already. ❤

On Sunday, my better half and I went to spend the most cozy, wonderful, happy Christmas with our Mom, Pop, and GJ at the lake.

Courtney with his stocking goodies (mom means business with stockings ❤ )

The best Christmas dinner with our family. ❤

Henry loves going to see Nana and Pop at the lake.

Mom always attaches Christmas ornaments to our gifts – my heart ❤ – and this year mine were a State bell and the cutest dinosaur ever. 🙂

After the very best day on Sunday, we came home and slept fast because my Cheryl and I were setting off again Monday morning. . .

Off to one of my very favorite places with one of my very favorite people. ❤

Monday morning, Cheryl and I hit the road for Starkville for research for a book she is writing on SEC football towns.

(It will be out next year, I am so proud for her, and lots more will be shared in the future about her book here. 🙂 )

Though she has been to many of the towns already, this was her first trip to Starkville and I was so excited to show her my place. ❤

Our first stop was The Little Dooey for the best food and the most lovely staff as well. The owner spent time talking with us – and gave Cheryl her first cowbell. I was so excited. 🙂

andouille on a stick and cheese grits. oh my word.

I took the cutest picture of Cheryl with her cowbell later at Strange Brew – another must visit in Starkville – with the giant Bully. ❤

After lunch, we walked to the stadium and the school creamery for some yummy State ice cream, and, as Cheryl is a huge Cowboys fan, we had to get a good picture of her with Dak.

We had to visit Bully at the Junction as well.

All of the Bullys on campus have on their pirate gear in memory of Coach Leach this week. ❤

After that, another must see was the Johnny Cash plaque at the site of his arrest for picking flowers, the arrest that inspired his song “Starkville City Jail.”