Texarkana Christmas 2012

We all had a fabulous time in Texarkana over the Christmas break.  We got in on Friday night and headed over to Jeff and Melanie's for a wonderful fajita dinner.  Rachel brought her camera remote with her which was perfect for capturing a few pictures of the whole group.  (Also, thanks Rachel for most of these pictures that I stole from your blog!)

After dinner we headed back to Momma Lou and Ed's to open some presents and visit.  

It was so much fun having all the "greats" spend the night together.  We loved waking up and having more time to play.  If these two boys love each other half the amount their Mommas do they are destined for lots of years of fun and friendship!

Connor loves Owen!

Carson (2), William (2), Connor (4), Owen (1)

On Saturday night we met over at Papa and Ginny's for some more family time and celebrating.  Mark, Ashley, and Adam were able to come Saturday so we attempted 1 more group shot.

We added George to the mix that evening, but this was as good as it got.

After dinner the boys checked out their stocking and opened some presents.  

They all had a wonderful time playing and just being together.

I am so thankful for all of my sweet grandparents and what a blessing they are to my kids.

Christmas with Nana and Poppa 2012

After nap time we headed out to Dripping Springs to spend the evening with Nana and Poppa.  The moment we walked in the door Connor spotted something big wrapped up and quickly went to see if it was for him.  He wad thrilled to discover a brand new bike perfect for him.  He has grown so much over the past year that he was in need of a bigger bike.  It had gotten too cold to go outside so Nana and Poppa were sweet to let Connor make some laps in their house.  

He couldn't wait to try it out.  Carson also was excited to see a new gas pump for his Cozy Coupe truck.

The boys are set for lots of outdoor fun!

We managed to sneak in a picture during one of his laps around the living room. :)

After we all opened some more presents we enjoyed a delicious dinner they had made for us.

The boys love getting to go out to Nana and Poppa's house.  We are thankful we all live close enough to see everyone on special days like this.  It was the perfect way to end a great Christmas day!

Christmas Morning at Mimi's 2012

One of the special treats of staying with Mimi was having Connor, Carson, and Owen all get to experience Christmas morning together.  After a few texts to make sure everyone was awake we headed down stairs to see what Santa left us.  This picture is priceless!  I love the looks on the boys faces.

The new truck that Santa left the boys was obviously a big hit!

They thought it was a perfect place to open their stockings.

Connor was so excited about his new guitar from Kevin and Rachel.

We gave all 3 boys a gift at the same time in hopes of a picture in their matching pjs.

Looking at these pictures reminded me of a similar picture from last year.  Look how much they have grown in just one short year!

After opening a few presents we headed outside to try out the new wheels.

Pure happiness!

All I could think about watching them drive around was my life in 12 years might look something like this...

We came back in and opened stocking from Mimi and got ready for our Christmas lunch.

After lunch we decided to try out Rachel's new remote for her camera for some family photos.  Here are a few of my favorite.

This is by far one of my favorite pictures we have taken recently.  I love the boys sweet genuine smiles. I am so thankful for all our family and the time we get to spend together.

Above all, fear the LORD and worship Him faithfully with all your heart, considering the great things He has done for you.

1 Samuel 12:24

Christmas Eve 2012

After a day full of baking we headed to church for the Christmas Eve service.  This is one of the few times a year that both boys come to the service with us.  Carson entertained everyone around us with a few dinosaur roars while Ryan was speaking.

My cousin, Ryley, took this cute photo of Connor listening to the Christmas story.  He kept turning around waving to us. :)

 Before heading to bed we left some milk and cookies out for Santa.  Connor decided Santa needed chocolate milk again this year.

 While Connor, Carson, and Owen were sleeping we set up all of their presents for Christmas morning.  Such a fun thing for Santa to visit them all at the same house.

All in a Weeks Work

December 18th was a big day for our family when we started on our new house!  In one short week there has been so much going on.  The boys are having a blast getting to go out and see all the work going on.  If the weather permits we are hoping to pour our slab some time this next week.  Can't wait!

Hannah's 2nd Birthday

We headed to Longview this past weekend to celebrate Hannah's 2nd birthday.  She had an adorable cupcake party.  Each child received a personalized apron and cupcakes to decorate.  The boys loved all the icing and topping options.  I'm pretty sure Connor decorated 4 different cupcakes (and ate 2!).

While we were there we let the cousins celebrate Christmas together.  Of course they loved opening presents!

Nana and Poppa let them open up their stockings which was also a hit!

Thankful for a fun weekend away!

Little Helpers

My boys love to be in the kitchen helping. Whether baking gingerbread cookies with Mimi or making snow men out of marshmallows they always have the best time.  

 Aunt Rachel got creative and added a few special touches to her snowman.  Connor thought it was a great idea! :)