Merry, Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Christmas morning!

Fierce Wii Dance Off

Anna Jane and Emerson

Charlie

We hope everyone had a blessed Christmas!!!

busy weekend!

Abby was excited heading to the party

Abby and the hostess, Brynn

Abs and Karlie B.

Kid's ornament exchange

Snowball fight! Watch out daddies!

One of my favorites!

Big, cheesy grin

We had a busy, but fun weekend! It was the Hodder's 8th annual Christmas party and we had a ball as usual. I laugh because the party used to start around 8 and would go until insane hours of the night, but now it starts at 4 and we were home by 7! My kind of party! The kids had an ornament exchange and then had a snowball fight (with marshmallows) and attacked the dads.

We also went to the Gaylord Texan Hotel to see all the fun things there. It was just beautiful and Abby loved seeing the trains and the Grinch! We had a great weekend celebrating this fun time of year with friends!!!

happy birthday Jesus party

Abby and Madeline

Today we went to Abby's classroom party to celebrate Jesus' birthday. As the teachers opened the door all the precious children were looking to see if their parents came to celebrate with them. Bo wanted to come and Abby was thrilled to have her daddy there. Abby was apparently so excited about the party that she did not sleep at school today (for the first time). She was asleep as we pulled into the driveway and took a nice little nap for mommy! Great Tuesday!

the north pole express

This morning, we headed to Grapevine to ride the North Pole Express. We had been talking about this for a few days and preparing Abby as best we could. The whole way there she just kept saying, "Santa is nice. Not scary". Once we arrived we walked around for a bit and saw Frosty the Snowman and a (kind of creepy) reindeer. About 20 minutes before the train left we were entertained with songs and dancing inside of a tent. Then we boarded the train and went for a ride! Santa came through the train and said hi to all of the boys and girls. It was really a lot of fun! We sang more Christmas songs and enjoyed the ride! It was so nice to take a few hours out of this busy time of year and celebrate a little Christmas as a family.

weekend trip to houston

Friday afternoon just after we got there

Abby is not too sure what to think

Abby and her cousin Ally sitting by the fire

Right before Breakfast with Santa

Total and complete chaos!! Mimi, Papa and all 5 grandkids

We made a quick weekend trip to Houston for the annual Breakfast with Santa with the Bains. Thursday night, we heard there might be bad weather in Houston (who knew?) so Friday morning we hit the road early to try and beat the snow. As soon as we pulled into the Bain's driveway, it started to snow! It snowed all day long and was so much fun! Abby had a blast with all of her cousins all weekend long. Family is so precious and it was so fun to just sit in our pjs all day and let the kids enjoy each other's company. Saturday was the breakfast and all the kids enjoyed it. Abby did not sit on Santa's lap but did tell him she wanted candy for Christmas! I love this time of year and I am so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing family members!! Here's to the start of the holiday season and a crazy month!!

my little indian

Abby came home from school yesterday with this little outfit on. They had made them at school and paraded through the school hallways showing off their costumes. I have a feeling this is the first of MANY noodle necklaces! Happy Thanksgiving week!!

happy birthday Zachy!!!

To one of Abby's most favorite people in the WORLD! We love you, Zach!! Happy Day!

3 months ago today...

My beautiful niece was born! She changed our lives and my precious sister has changed so many lives as well through her AMAZING strength and testimony. God is good. Love you Reese!

halloween 09

enjoying the beautiful weather at Madeline's party

Wyatt and Abby

loving the party favor on the way home!

ready to trick or treat!

We had a blast this Halloween! Abby was the cutest pig and actually loved wearing her costume. We started off the day by going to Madeline's birthday party. All the kids wore their costumes and it was a perfect day for a party! When we got home from the party, Abby took a nap and after she ate some supper was ready to go trick or treating. Bo and I did not think she would really like it or get into it, but we were totally wrong. She LOVED it! She would say "trick or treat" and then she would look up at me and say "who these people?" as they put candy in her bucket. It was funny. We got back home in time to see lots of other kids come to our house. Abby loved this part just as much as walking around the neighborhood. What a fun day!!

arboretum

Today was supposed to be a beautiful, sunny day, but it did not turn out that way. However, despite the cooler weather the arboretum was still gorgeous. We had a great time with friends and loved seeing all of the pumpkins and gorgeous fall flowers! I love this time of the year!!!