Christmas in Galveston

Our familyThe house we stayed at- my dad hung all of those lights!

We went to Galveston this year to spend Christmas with my family. My parents rented a house on the beach and we all had a wonderful time together. There was lots of laughing, talking, playing games, playing on the beach, memory making and eating and eating! We got to Galveston Christmas Eve afternoon. Kara read a story to the kids about the birth of Jesus and Shane said a few words about the meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Then we headed to a yummy seafood dinner and to see the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens. Listening to Kara read a book

Barrett, Elizabeth and Brooklyn

Barrett at the festival of lights

After looking at the cool lights,we went home to get ready for Santa. Nana gave the kids pjs and hey looked so cute. Barrett, Elizabeth and Brooklyn put out cookies for Santa and some carrots for the reindeer. They also sprinkled reindeer food in the yard that the reindeer seemed to gobble up. They were so excited about Santa coming, though Brooklyn wanted us to make sure that Santa was only coming in the living room and not her room.
Putting cookies out for Santa

Nana & Brooklyn

Christmas morning arrived and the kids were so excited to come down the stairs and see what Santa brought. Barrett and Brooklyn were both so happy when they saw to their gifts. Barrett got several Rescue Heroes and the command center and helicopter. Brooklyn got a dollhouse and some other odds and ends.The kids were so appreciative and happy and Barrett said " Santa got me exactly what I wanted". Way to go Santa!

Barrett with his Rescue HeroesB playing Brooklyn wearing her cool shades
Brooklyn with a candy cane in front of her dollhouse Cute!

Brooklyn rocking out while B & E play with their leapsters

On Friday, the guys played golf and we girls stayed with the kids. We let them play and they had such a fun time together. We got to talk and play games. We also let the kids decorate sugar cookies and make a gingerbread train. They had a great time making a huge mess and eating lots of candy as they worked.

Making the train
The masterpiece

On Saturday, my grandparents and aunt Jayne came over for lunch. We had a nice time visiting with them. After they left, we all went out to the beach for the kids to play in the sand and the water. This was a favorite activity of the kids while we were there.

Kellee with Hallie and BrooklynMy dad and Pops
Having fun together!Derek and Brooklyn sliding down the sand hill The kids playing in the sand
Adventures at the beachWOO-HOO Kara and sweet Peyton

We went to the Texans vs. Bears game on Sunday. Anthony's dad got several tickets and we were able to get some too, so we all kinda played musical chairs so we could hang out together. There were alot of us- Kara, Shane & Peyton, Rob, Kellee & Anthony, Kurt & Jackson, Derek, me,B & B and Bob. We all had a great time.
Me and Barrett at the game

Derek and the kids
Anthony, Kellee & Rob

Hanging at the game- Kurt, Derek and Brooklyn

Merry Christmas

We celebrated Christmas tonight with our family. We decided to do breakfast for dinner(a family favorite) and then open presents. The kids loved their gifts and were both very appreciative. It was a fun and special time with our immediate family. And the kids had a great time playing with their new toys until bedtime. We are off to Galveston tomorrow to spend Christmas with my family. Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Program at MDO

The kids had their Christmas program at their Mother's Day Out last week. Both kids sang really well and enjoyed being on stage. The kids sang some really cute and sweet songs. Brooklyn was so excited to dress "fancy" for school. They love their school and have made some really special friends.

Getting Married!

Our friends, Amy and Jon are getting married in May. We are so excited for them! They are a wonderful couple and we wish them a long and happy and fun life together! The other night we went to an engagement party to celebrate them and it was a blast. Congrats Amy and Jon!

Trail of Lights

One of the things we do each year around Christmas is go to the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. This year it was actually quite chilly, in the 30's. So, we bundled up in our warm winter gear and enjoyed looking at all of the lights. It was a great way to get us in the spirit and it was not very crowded so the kids could just run around and really got to see the lights and displays easily. We enjoyed spinning around under the tree, eating kettle corn and funnel cake, drinking hot chocolate and visiting with our friends the Brown's, who braved the cold and walked the trail with us.