Six Flags Holiday in the Park

W had a blast doing Holiday in the Park with both sets of Grandparents ... we are blessed that both sets of our parents enjoy each other and are willing to go on crazy excursions with us like this one ...

Getting ready to go in the park

Yes, both boys rode the Shock Wave along with my parents --- I had forgotten how scary it was.  I was sitting with my mom and a few not-so-nice things came out of mouth.  I wondered how in the world I had let my kids get on this crazy thing ... well, we got off and they had LOVED it!!

Josh attempting to hold his arms up for an entire ride with Meme!

The Cave ride that the entire family enjoyed, even Kate.  She loved the Looney Toons section with rides for her, too.

My Mom and I also rode the Rockin Rocket ... a rocket that goes up and down until you spin completely upside down ... not so good for your heart I am sure.  We were sore from holding our muscles so tightly from the tension of the ride ... my mom is the only Grandma I know that would do that one with me ... by the way, the hubby said "No Way!!" and my kids were scared to death for me ... probably not so good for their heart, too!

to SIx Flags with no lines and Christmas carols and lights and to family whom we dearly love ...

The First Leon

Caleb starred as "Leon" in his school musical "The First Leon".  It was one of the sweetest plays I had ever seen with a precious story line ... a boy named Leon (who happened to be quite naive, shy and uncool) wanted a part in the school pageant ... he tries out for every part and gets the part of understudy to the innkeeper.  That means he only has 2 words to learn "no room" and will most likely not even get to perform those because he is the understudy.  Well, he does get to perform and is caught up in the moment and after saying "no room" to Joseph and Mary and instead says "Wait, you can have my room."  Really, it was the cutest ... and, of course, I am very biased because I happen to know the cute kid playing Leon pretty well :).  We were so blessed to have the most awesome group of friends there to support him - thanks to all of them.

Opening scene: Leon is singing the The First Noel (his name spelled backward).

A little celebration afterward with cake and Grandparents.

Some buddies in the play with him.

You were super, Caleb, and we are so proud of you.

I pray that we all will "make room" in our hearts, like Leon did, f

or the true reason for the season, Jesus.

Christmas Party of the Year

Last night we enjoyed one of our favorite nights of the year.  Our annual Christmas party with friends.  Two families were sorely missed (Bryans and Mainords) but we all had fun.  The Foster's home was decorated beautifully with candles everywhere and music playing and lights dimmed ... the food was superb ... the games were funny ... the white elephant gifts were the best ever... we came home in the holiday spirit :)!!  I always get sad when the night is done ... and I realize I have to wait another year.  To friends, to Christmas, to laughter ... 

the Reason for the Season

Tonight, we braved the snow flurries and voyaged to see Santa.  We all expected Kate to want NOTHING to do with a big man in a red suit wanting to take a picture with her ... I mean both boys cried until they were 4 at the mere thought of sitting on Santa's lap.

BUT ... Santa pulled out the Ace card ... a peppermint candy cane.  She looked at me and I said "After you take a picture with Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas, he will give you a candy cane."  The fear went out of her face and she smiled and waved at him and proceeded to tell him exactly what she wanted - a kitchen - and that she wanted him to come to her house and to leave it in her room!  She waved "bye" and blew kisses and said "Come to my house, Santa!" as we left.  And there was NO line - quite miraculous I think!

After we left Santa, we proceeded to a local drive-thru live nativity that we love every year and were reminded of the true miracle of Christmas.  It is awesome ... they have a little area set up like Bethlehem and you travel through and see people trading their wares, buying blankets or food and then Herod's men calling for you to come and pay your taxes.  At the end of the hustle and bustle you turn the corner and a modest manger (with live donkeys) is holding Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.  All 3 kids were silent as we went through and we were all so quickly touched by the birth of Jesus.  Yes, Santa is fun but I pray that all may know the reason for the season and may know Him well - Happy Birthday, sweet Jesus!  And thank you, God, for sending your Son to earth in order to save us - knowing we don't deserve it.  

To candy canes, to family times, to memories, to snow flurries in Texas and most of all to Jesus's birthday - Merry Christmas to all and to all a Goodnight!!

Care Group Christmas Party

We had fun eating, drinking cider, singing Christmas songs and exchanging white elephant gifts.  We missed you, Boerger family!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

The trees are up - all 5, the lights are on the house, about 30 Santas are proudly displayed, a nativity or 2 or 3 sits in every room, presents are wrapped, the cards are getting close (way behind on that this year), the train is up and so far Kate has not broken it, bathroom towels all display a Santa or Snowman or some holly, and 7 wreaths proudly hang, and I have been kissed under the mistletoe at least 3 times --- whew!!  We love Christmas and all of the decor and even the hustle and bustle because we do all of this with one thing on our mind - IT"S JESUS' BIRTHDAY PARTY!!  Happy Birthday and Thank you, God, for the gift of your Son!!

Tree #1

Tree #2 and Train

Kate's pink tree #3

Caleb's tree #4

Josh's tree #5

Merry Christmas to you all!

Cutie Cousins

Aren't these some cuties?!  I love seeing my family over Thanksgiving ... it is very crowded and the stories that are told are often repeats, but it is a perfect gathering.  A TON of good food, football, late night games, Aggie/tu game, funny stories, sleeping in the bunk house, one shower, lots of kids, laughter, and more.  I think we had over 50 people stay at my parents' lakehouse.  Yes, for 3 or 4 days!  And we enjoy each other!!  I laugh harder over those few days than the rest of the year.  There were many kids that I had not seen since the 4th of July and one born just 8 weeks ago ... they are all so cute and nice ... no fighting; just playing.  I had not seen my brother's kids in a while and they are a breath of fresh of air.  I mean ADORABLE!!  The oldest is the smartest, most polite 4 year old ever ... the twins make you smile instantly.  I truly think they would win the Pottery Barn Cutest Baby contest!!  And I am being humble ... but, seriously, I might have the best nieces and nephew ever.  My kids love them, too.  The morning after we got home Kate summed it up with " I want my cubbins (cousins)!  We gonna play!"