Christmas Day

This was the first year we had serious assembling to do for the kids.  NEVER AGAIN.  I don't care how much it cost to have the store assemble them (ok, yes I do but...) I will never again stay up all night and assemble toys like this.  I will vow to start months/weeks in advance so that my marriage stays intact the night before Jesus was born.

We got through the night just in time.  We happened to have a storm and Tatum woke up scared.  Since we hadn't gotten much sleep due to our late night Santa workshop tasks, I just let her get in bed with us.  She walked right through the living room and didn't notice any of the gifts.

After our family of fours Christmas, we headed over to my Mom's for more opening and a DELICIOUS meal.  I absolutely love my Mom's cooking.  It's always better when someone else does the work, right?

Santa ate his cookies and milk and even left a note for the kids.

Jammin' with Grandma to her new microphone/guitar set.  She's a natural. 

 We even had a little snow on Christmas.

Christmas Eve

So much to do these days on Christmas Eve...

Before Christmas Eve Service 

Spreading our Reindeer food on the lawn so they have something to snack on while Santa is doing his thing.

Christmas Eve Story with Daddy

And I can't forget to say Happy Birthday Dad!

Christmas in Tulsa

We headed up to Tulsa to celebrate Liza's birthday and Christmas.  Quite the action packed weekend.

We had a nice lobster dinner for Liza's birthday.  Lucy, Matt, and Maddie were there to celebrate too so it was nice having everyone all together.

Story Time 

Look what Santa left under Gam-E and G-Pops Christmas Tree! 

Tatum's first experience with ice skating.  She DID NOT want to leave.  Poor thing was abused out there on the ice too.  I took a REALLY hard fall (bruises to show for it) and fell on her.  OOPS! 

My little (and big) anchor men...We took a tour of Ron's new news station.  Quite impressive and fun to see what goes on behind the scenes of the newscast. 

Since Aunt Lulu is pregnant she stayed off the ice and entertained Druz for us. 

G-Pop and Tatum ;o)

The Birthday girl opening her presents

Santa's little helper

Our future weather girl

Tatum interviewing Aunt Lulu at the studio

Our little conductor

All she asked for for Christmas was a Doctor outfit and a purple kite.  One down.  Let's hope Santa comes through with the kite!

Teaching Tatum how it's done.

On our way home we met a couple of Dylan's college b-ball friends and their families for lunch.  I remember hanging out with these guys when I'd go visit Dylan at Oklahoma Christian.  Boy, have times changed!

My poor little guy woke up with yucky eyes yesterday and today they weren't any better. 

To the Dr. we went.

The diagnosis was an ear infection that turned into an eye infection.  Poor guy. 

He was up all night Saturday night but never seemed to be in pain or uncomfortable so I wasn't sure what the issue was.  Now I know. 

Luckily, my kiddos don't get sick that often so I won't complain.  Although, it was Tatum's last day of school so I was hoping to get a few last minute things done.  Oh well, I enjoyed the one on one time with my boy.

McDonald's Happy Meals can cure anything.

Christmas #1

We had Christmas with Dad and Barbara Sunday morning.  The kids were all VERY excited.

Obligatory Christmas morning family picture

Dylan and his new Baylor Spatula

 Very funny Vicki...

She got an air compressor with a serious staple gun and nail gun

We got some heat lamps for the back porch.

The boys got Beat headphones.  These are the most expensive headphones my son will EVER be wearing!  The boys were very happy.

There is a small chance Tyler was happier about his Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader calendar, though.

We jipped Druz out of a first birthday party so he didn't really get any practice opening gifts.  Luckily, he didn't waste any time and tore right into them.

She loves her Furby!

 Dad and Barbara opening their gifts!

Thanks Dad and Barbara for everything!  It was a great relaxing Christmas...  We even got to use the heat lamps at night when we went out and made s'mores in the fireplace! 

North Pole Express

We headed to downtown Grapevine tonight to take a ride on The Polar Express.  The kids got to wear their PJs, just like the movie.  Even Tyler joined in on the fun and wore his PJs.

Getting ready to head out for the Polar Express...in their PJs

About to board our train for the big trip to the North Pole

It wouldn't be right if we left without a picture in front of the sign.

Pre-boarding entertainment

Tyler, Tross, and Vic patiently waiting for the train to board

More pre-boarding entertainment.  We entered a tent before boarding and they had some entertainment on stage.  Christmas carols and such.

On the train

Druz' "smile" face

Tatum and her twin Daddy

Barbara and Tatum...there was on board entertainment as well.  Two girls were singing Christmas Carols and talking to everyone...not much scenery to look at outside though.

Brothers

Sisters

 Santa gave all the kids bells and walked through to take pictures and say hi to all the kids.  Tatum wasn't afraid at all.  Santa at the Gaylord must have made a good impression.

The boys were good sports about it all.  They were a little over the target age group, I would say.  ;o)

Tatum and Mrs. Claus

Dad and Barbara arrived Thursday.  After a little shopping they made some time to eat at an old favorite...Esparza's.

No trip would be complete without eating here!

We headed to the park while Santa wrapped some gifts.  

 Vicki watching the kids fight play in the sand while the boys, Dylan, and I played a VERY long game of PIG

This kid gets into everything...literally.

Christmas Is...

Tatum had her Christmas Performance at school today.

She is so little compared to the other kids.

She spotted her Daddy right away and was just smiling and smiling at him.

Look at that form.  I'd say she was the best tree out there.  ;o)

Giving our little performer a big hug and "Way to Go" before she went back to class.