Tales of the Traveling Tote Fall Adventures
Welcome to the December 1 Tales of the Traveling Tote!
Join me and the other Tote Gals while we share our fall adventures. I was so thrilled to be asked to join this group several years ago when I received my Tote for Christmas. Even though I have only met 2 of these ladies, through our adventures and shared love of MacKenzie-Childs, we have formed some incredibly strong bonds and friendships. We are all looking forward to getting to know our newest member Cherry Kay!
A lot of the Totes have had fabulous adventures, trips to Europe, glamping, cruises…well, Miss Coquille and I haven’t done anything glamorous, but we are always enjoying the everyday side of life to the max…
So here is a peek into real life…
Sunday afternoon at the baseball park, it was chilly that day and I loaded my tote with an extra jacket and a blanket
Miss Coquille is very shy, I have to trick her into posing…she wanted to sit close to the fence to watch her favorite player, the Catcher
Superboy has grown into an All Star player, and these 9-10 year olds are lots of fun to watch, they are really good!
Such a beautiful fall afternoon!
A visit to my new dentist, the doctor that bought HH’s dental practice and building…it made my heart sing to see the beautiful fall decorations at the entry…it’s so nice to go to such a familiar place, and the whole staff treats me like a queen and compliments HH so much…they take such good care of us, I know HH is smiling down…
Our annual “Treedition,” meeting at our favorite tree lot and picking out our trees together. We did this the weekend before Thanksgiving as the trees sell out fast
How did Big E get anything into those high top double laced sneakers??
Don’t worry, he didn’t ride back there, just liked to hop in and out
HHjr always picks the biggest tree he can find and gets his brother-in-law to follow us home to help him wrangle it out of the truck. It will be in a bucket of water outside until he puts it up
Off to the beach house for Thanksgiving, Miss Coquille always carries my laptop and VIP things
*sigh,* it’s always so good to be here!
Miss Coquille was happy to be a part of the big game Thanksgiving weekend, she carried dishes, snacks, and paper goods for the buffet to our outdoor “sports zone” under the house
It’s not fancy but you can’t beat the view…
As I said, these photos are real life, flip flops scattered, wet towels…
Last Saturday was truly a day stolen from Summer, perfect for swimming, boating and watching football outside
Plenty of action, CC and Charlie Brown did laps around the house on their bikes
HHjr made Buffalo wings, and we had Pumpkin Butternut Squash Queso, Mustard Glazed Pigs in a Blanket, and Bacon Wrapped Brussels sprouts with Orange Cranberry Sauce {recipe posting soon}
It was Thanksgiving all over again!
CC tried the Brussels sprouts, but much preferred the Pigs in a Blanket
We harvested the oranges from our Satuma Mandarin Orange tree
Satsuma mandarins are one of the sweetest citrus fruits, and these are as big as navel oranges!
There is a town named Satusma Alabama nearby, named after the Japanese Satsuma Mandarin tree that was gifted to the area in 1878 by the Japanese emperor
Back to the city to deliver some early holiday cheer
Miss Coquille and I are exhausted from our Thanksgiving fun, and now it’s time to start decorating 😅
But first there is the SEC championship game this afternoon, Roll Tide!
No time for cooking today, so Miss Coquille and I are heading to Martin’s BBQ Joint to pick up some food for our friends to enjoy while we’re watching and rooting!
The pool table gets covered with protective cloths, making it a great place to set out the food!
Thanks for joining us for our fall adventures and be sure to leave a comment on Purple Chocolat Home to enter the giveaway!
Please enjoy all the Tales of the Traveling Totes
Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain BreathsEmily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The French HutchPatti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora’s BoxJenna with Miss Coquille @The Painted ApronLinda P with Miss Lola @ Life and LindaRita with Miss Luna C @ PanoplySarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the SoulJackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat HomeRicki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Sketchy ReaderCherry Kay and Carrie Ann Haul @Entertaining Women
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Meal Plan Monday Dishing it & Digging it, Between Naps on the Porch,
Merry Monday Make it Pretty Monday Celebrate and Decorate,
Delicious Dishes Recipe Party Oh My Heartsie Girl Full Plate Thursday
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How can I get a tote?
hi Pam, this particular tote is no longer available, which is a shame because it truly is so versatile. They do have other totes that you can see online at MacKenzie-Childs.com
Well, I love the sounds of real life, Jenna, and it doesn’t get any better than sharing food and fun with those who enjoy eating and relaxing…and running around. I have a great nephew who’s also an all-star baseball player and in that same age bracket – it’s such a great life experience for those kids, and your support will be forever remembered and appreciated by him. Your visit to the beach house for Thanksgiving looked perfect, and the weather just the same. Glad your new dentist family is taking care of you as you embrace the new norms.
I’m sure most everyone will be watching the game today, it’s always fun to see if AL will retain the long held title. Saban being a native West Virginian has this girl rootin’ for them. Roll Tide!
Oh Rita, you are incredibly sweet, and I so much appreciate your comments on my very normal, everyday, not very exciting experiences 🙂 I did not know Saban was from WV! This is a big rivalry game today with our Georgia neighbors, and we have a group of good friends coming over to watch, Roll Tide!
Interesting! I didn’t know MC made tote bags! It looks durable, and a nice generous size, also! Thanks!
Yes! This one is discontinued but they do have others you can see at MacKenzie-Childs.com. Thanks for stopping by Mimi
Great fun and adventures!!
thanks Jodi!
Miss Coquille, like her person, has had quite the ride over the last few months. You don’t have to go far from home(s) to be a traveling tote, just be steady, available and helpful! She did all that and more. Hugs to you as we go onward!
Oh Jeanie, how sweet you are to me! Thank you for your thoughtful words!
Happy December! Love all of the pictures.
Always love your Traveling Tote posts, Jenna! Lots of virtual hugs continue to be sent your way as we enter this holiday season. You continue to inspire by your example of courage. And the strength of your loving family is a joy to behold. Thank you for letting us see the extraordinary power of love, especially at this time of year.
thank you Rosie, I am so blessed to have my family so close by, and lots of friends for support, including my virtual friends like you! Happy December!
Dear Jeanna, you have certainly been a busy gal this fall doing so many fun things. I have a little ball player in the same age group and yes, they are quite good and it’s so much fun to go to the games. Love you have a dentist that is a very familiar location, such wonderful memories for you there. Always love seeing photos of your family and how much fun they have with you. Your beach home is always fun to visit too, what a great home for you and your family to enjoy being at the beach. Great post! Yes, Roll Tide today……….
Thank you Emily! Busy weekend!!!! ❤️
I like seeing everyday life with you, Jenna! Seeing photos of your family always makes me happy. How nice that the dentist that bought your hubby’s practice decorates the outside so nicely and treat you so royally. That must warm your heart. Happy weekend!
thank you Kitty!
It is always fun to read your TT posts. I like hearing about everyday life and yours is always busy. Y’all sure do eat well. Your food looks wonderful.
Your grandchildren are adorable and I can see what a neat outing you had getting the tree. That tree was big!
We are gearing up for the big game today. Roll Tide🅰️🐘🏈!
Thank you Bonnie, so sweet of you! We haven’t put the tree up yet, too busy this weekend, Roll Tide for sure!!!
Hello Jenna, your everyday life sounds lovely. What’s better than living each day with love. We don’t always have to be glam. The food looks amazing. I so admire your talents and warm personality. What a great beachy spot you have to enjoy with your family. Happy your found a great dentist to take over. I want to hang with you sometimes. You are a wonderful hostess.
Thanks so much Linda, I still think about how close we were to getting together last year!
Jenna, you live everyday to its fullest. I admire your energy and zest for living, your love of family and friends, and how you share your many talents with all of us. It sounds as if you and Miss Coquille have had a very busy and full fall. I know it makes you smile that the dentist who bought HH’s practice and building greets his patients with a warm welcome and it warms my heart that you are treated royally, as you should be! Seeing your cute grands is always a treat! Roll Tide Roll, I am glad they are playing inside! What a horrible rainy day!
thank you for all the kind words Pam, and wow, we are still reeling from the game for sure! 🐘
That tote is loving life to the fullest!
I am all in for living life … real!
Have fun as you both march on to Christmas!
thank you Nancy, I love the simple things the most 🙂
Pretty amazing real life! I love that the dentist office treats you like a queen. Your dear sweet husband would be so proud of them!
Looks like a lot of fun for Thanksgiving. Glad you had spectacular weather. And the tree shopping is such a great tradition. Have fun decorating for Christmas. Put on some beautiful music and immerse yourself in it. Hugs!
Thanks Jackie, my tree still isn’t up, you would be horrified!! ❤️
I think our totes like being used for “everyday” adventures as much as they enjoy extravagant travels! I love seeing them used a lot! How nice that the new owners of dentist office speak so well of your dear husband and treat you so well – how kind of them! Your entertaining skills are much admired – I wish I had the energy and talent you have! You have some adorable “littles” in your family!! Enjoy decorating those trees!
Thank you Patti! When I got my tote I never dreamed it would be so handy!! It’s a shame this particular one has been discontinued, it’s such a great size! Thank you so much for this group and all that you do to keep it going!
Love seeing your everyday life Jenna! Your grands are getting so big and I know they must love having a coastal getaway. That view has to instantly lower your blood pressure no matter who wins the game.Congrats on your win tonight, #RollTide 😉
Jenna, I think your Miss Coquille is enjoying life with you and your wonderful family. I have seen her sneak into a tablescapee or two so in addition to traveling with you, she makes your tables look grand. I love your devotion to your rolling tide as I am to my rock chalk jayhawks (basketball not football) we have a new coach for our football team and he looks promising…finally. Of course we do excel at basketball and I am always looking forward to the Dance. Did I say Rock Chalk Jayhawk, KU??? LOL Hugs my friend.
Thanks Kari, isn’t it fun to have a special team to root for!! I can’t tell you how many Alabama car tags have some version of roll tide on them! ❤️
What a neat post! I so appreciate “the every day things” that make up our lives, and you did a great job depicting all those events. Your granchildren are precious and will look back on their childhood with so much love for you with awesome memories as you support them in so many ways, from art classes, to special foods and swiming, the holiday parades and sporting events. Your pool looks awesome! Your football parties so much fun and the food always mouth watering! Thank you Jenna for sharing “real life”, like what most of us do 😊, including dentist appointments. (And bravo to you on that endeavor as well, I’m sure it was a mixed bag of emotions, a little bitter-sweet.)
Thank you Cyndi, you are so kind…I am very happy with the simple pleasures of life! And so thankful for friends like you!
Jenna, I’ve been away from blogworld for a pretty long season, and I’m just learning that you are on a brand new journey, a hard one for the heart. I’ll keep you in my prayers as you move forward. My heart hurts for you. The memories you are building for those babies at your beach house are priceless. They will never forget their days on the water. Such a priceless gift you are giving them! Miss Coquille is a true trooper. Carrie Ann has become my everyday companion, too. She’s adamant that she should go with me everywhere because well, “You just never know when a great photo-op will arise!” Carrie Ann is always ready for her close-up. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Traveling Tote gang. I pray that one day, we’ll be able to spend real time together. Thanks so much for your warm welcome. Cherry Kay
Thank you Cherry Kay, you are incredibly kind and sweet! I love that you have embraced our group concept with such enthusiasm!
Dang it! You’re not on my list. I must edit my post right now….BRB….
Fixed it! First of all, I must shout: Roll Tide Roll! Wow, what a game. We watched the iron bowl before we took the redeye home from Arizona. It was a great game, but the SEC Championship was one of the best games I’ve ever seen. I thought that Jalen Hurts was a class act last night. What poise and grace!
I love the sports area under your Ono Island home. How perfect to watch baseball and football while swimming and enjoying the beautiful weather!
Your grands are so cute. I enjoyed seeing their sweet faces in your photos.
I can’t wait to see you and Emily in a week or so. 😀
I need to scroll through and see if I can find photos of your tree. We’re putting our Christmas up today. I hope it goes well!
xo,
RJ
Yes, I still can’t get over the game, we had a group of dedicated fans watching with us and at the end we were all jumping up and down screaming!! Yes, I’m so proud of the classy way, Jalen, Tua and Saban handled the situation, so proud of Bama! Our tree is still outside, I will hopefully finish decorating and shopping this week and the tree will go up next weekend. Happy decorating!
Jenna, I loved your post! Real life is the best, and you certainly make life fun for yourself and your family. Envious of your weather and that you can have a TV to watch your football games while grilling. We would have to bring ours in for the winter 🙁 Miss Coquille is a loyal companion, and enjoys her travels with you. You asked about my encounter with Donny Osmond at the recent concert, and it was pure luck for me to meet him. I was in the fifth row, and had the aisle seat. When he came off stage, he came right to my section. Marie went to the other side. The most embarassing part was when he went back on stage, and pointed to me and said “thanks for the Christmas goose”. Everyone looked at me, and NO I DID NOT GOOSE HIM.
Congrats on the win!! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas my friend. xo
What an ego he must have!! That is so funny, did you turn bright red??? The photo was so cute, so glad someone captured the hug you’re not likely to forget!! Thank you for the kind words Debbie, my life is full and busy, but with the simple stuff, which is what makes me happy…
Surprisingly I didn’t turn beet red but I sure did giggle!
Wonderful photos of your sweet grandchildren! 💗 And it looks like you have been busy with good food and family fun! 😍 Glad you were able to enjoy! 🌈💕
Thank you Jill, always busy around here!
Love the Traveling Totes ladies!!…and really loved your “real life’ post with all the things that matter in life…grandchildren and making memories!….life is good!
thank you Shirley!