Christmas with my Dad

We spent Christmas Day and the weekend at my Dad's house with him and Cheree. The girls hadn't been since earlier this year and they really enjoyed it. They absolutely loved all of the many Christmas decorations both inside and outside......seriously, they had lots to look at and everything was so cute.

This picture was actually right before we were leaving to head home and Sarah did not want her picture made again but it turned out good with the rest of us who did.

Jacob was with us as well and unfortunately my picture was blurry but I'm posting it anyway since it was the only one I got of him and Joe.

Grandpa and Grandma Cheree gave them both an art easel and a new baby stroller. We of course had to put the baby stroller together right then so they could push their baby around the house.

Here they are sitting in a recliner completely mesmerized by Dad's big screen TV and refusing to either look at me or smile since I was blocking their view. They asked me to please move out of their way so they could keep watching A Bug's Life.

They both loved this spot because the Frosty sings and dances. They would both just stand there and dance with the music.

Sarah did not want to leave the house without her dress up shoes. They like to walk around in them and here's Sarah eating in them.

I really like this picture....

I also got to make a trip to the local Wal-Mart to pick up some Christmas decorations on sale. They actually had lots to select from and I got quite a bit. Joe told me I bought too much and we wouldn't have room in the car for everything. We had just enough room luckily. My finds included pink and purple Christmas trees that are about 3 feet tall. I plan to put them in the girls room next year. They are super cute and you couldn't beat the price.

The girls really enjoyed the trip. At one point I tried to pick up Sarah and she told me no that she only wanted Grandpa. They really got to spend some quality time with my Dad and I'm so glad that we we're able to be there and that Jacob could join us.

Joe put the art easels together when we got back and they are both big hits with the girls.

Santa Came!

The girls loved what Santa brought them! They were so excited and happy and would get completely involved with one thing not realizing there was still more to go and open.

When we would ask the girls what they wanted Santa to bring them, they both said a PINK PUPPY. Santa delivered on that and they got a little pink poodle puppy and they were very excited about it. They also got a magnetic board because they are all about the ABC's and I'm sure Santa remembered how much they loved playing with the one at their friend Jayden's house. They got a purple princess ball pit, new back packs, new pillows with their name on them, Minnie Mouse golf clubs, a Minnie Mouse t-ball set, dress up shoes, new coloring books, a Dora the Explorer doll, and a very pretty new outfit.

Kristen holding her PINK PUPPY

Notice them playing golf and t-ball in their big girl dress up shoes....

Christmas was wonderful this year. These girls bring me so much joy and happiness and I feel incredibly blessed. I can only imagine how much fun next year will be! Tomorrow we will be gathering up all of the toys they have outgrown and will be donating them to the Assistance League of Austin's thrift house that we learned of while at Dell Children's. www.alaustin.org/

When Kristen was admitted a lady from this organization came by to deliver a brand new toy and book to Kristen. They deliver toys to all of the children in the hospital and they do so with funds raised through their thrift store. Kristen didn't really need these toys but I can only imagine how many children are there with nothing. It was very touching so we'll be donating to them from now on.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was freezing and extremely windy but we decided that we were still going to head to church for the Christmas service. We haven't been to church lately in an effort to avoid exposing the girls to other kids in hopes of not getting them sick any more than they already are but we really want to attend for Christmas. Here lately we have been watching church service online but it's not the same.

Afterwards, we all went back to my Mom's for a Christmas dinner. We had turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie! We got to enjoy leftovers the next day as well and I'm going to miss the holidays because turkey and dressing is my favorite meal ever. We had a great day with my Mom but had to head back to home to get ready for Santa. The girls were excited and definitely understood what was going on this year. They know all about Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty the Snowman. We all knew Santa was going to be very good to them because they have been very good this year. Oh....the anticipation for the big man in red.....

Here are some pictures of our day

I love this picture of my Mom and Kristen

Cowboy Santa

I thought I would post the Santa pictures they had made in the past.....they are sure growing up fast. Oh how I wish I could bottle them up at this age.

Today on the way to school.....they kept telling me to look at the "Santa lights" on the few houses that still had their Christmas lights on and they got so excited telling me that they saw baby Jesus (blow up nativity scene in someones yard). Their conversations are cracking me up these days. I love 2 years old!

Anyway, Kristen did tell Katie that she didn't want to sit on Santa's lap but rather sit on the horse saddle right next to him. When we went to put her on the saddle she had a melt down, which is why it ended up being a family picture this year.

Holidays In Gruene

We spent Sunday in Gruene visiting Grandma Katie and to visit Cowboy Santa for our annual picture. The weather was great, we had a nice lunch and the girls really enjoyed visiting with their Grandma. Here are a few pictures of our day.