Christmas!

After staying out past 11:30 on Christmas Eve with dear friends we made a mad dash home to prepare for the fat man, who was just minutes from sliding down our chimney.  Shane blurted out, "Santa doesn't come after midnight", and amazingly the kids readied themselves for bedtime in record time.  In addition, they quickly yet carefully prepared a dish of yummies for Santa and sprinkled reindeer food, including sparkles, outside for better air to ground visibility.  After throwing them into bed they fervently booted us out the door, "willing" Santa to come sooner.

On Christmas Day we enjoyed a causal lunch with our neighbors Mr. Butch and Ms. Patty.  Both are so sweet with the kiddos and the kiddos love them for it.

We had a wonderful Christmas and eagerly welcome 2012!

Happy New Year! 

Countdown to Christmas: #1 Wrapping Presents

I put the kids to work by encouraging them to wrap a few left over presents.  They enthusiastically agreed to this activity and went to work measuring, cutting, taping, and writing!

Countdown to Chrismas: #2 "Nutcrackers"

We went to see the last showing of "Nutcrackers" at the Magik Theater as our last pre-Christmas activity.  Avery's friend Austin joined us for a night of laughs at a packed house.  In fact, we spent too much time enjoying our food at Tre Trattoria that we were relegated to the back row in the upper balcany at the theater.  However, our location did not deter the belly laughs I heard coming from, Avery, Amelia, and Austin's seats!

  

Christmas Countdown: #3 Emily Elizabeth's Baptism

We were able to be part of Emily Elizabeth's baptism on Dec. 23rd.  It was a wonderful ceremony with lots of warm bubbly family around.  Additionally, it was nice to see so many children with relaxed parents.  No one seemed to panic when all the kiddos decided to "park it" on the step behind the baptismal font.  This allowed us to focus and truly enjoy the baptismal ceremony.  Additionally, this allowed our little Audrey the freedom to silently, yet excitedly run around without mom and dad's watchful eye....I think she had fun!

Countdown to Christmas: #4 Railroad Museum

For the past 3 years we have been visiting the Texas Transportation Museum for some holiday cheer.  They have train rides, hot chocolate, hay rack rides, and model train sets found around the museum.  However, this year Avery and Amelia questioned the "not so Santa looking" Santa Claus perusing the museum.  Especially Amelia, who asked on several occasions if that was really Santa Claus, because he definitely did not look like the Santa Claus that visits our house for Audrey's birthday party.  By the end of our visit, I convinced Amelia that this Santa was a "Santa Ambassador" dressed to help the real Santa spread good cheer.   

Shane enjoyed teasing me by purposely closing his eyes while I continued to snap this particular shot.

Countdown to Christmas: #5 Gingerbread Cookies

 We began our Christmas festivities by decorating ginger bread cookies.  Avery was very serious and tried his darndest to make his cookies look like the example on the box.  Amelia, well she was in a creative category all her own. 

Both kids were REALLY good about sharing some frosting, decorative balls, and fondant with the gingerbread man......and then with themselves.  It kind of went like this........some frosting for you and lots for me. 

Audrey patiently waited by the table and snagged the extra fondant crumbs when Avery and Amelia weren't looking.