Christmas, part 1

We had our first Christmas celebration a few weeks ago in Nacogdoches with Jeff's mom. The kids absoultely love to go to her house...they get to see their Nanne Sue, eat hummy food and play in a big backyard with a swing. Abby would spend the entire time on the swing if we allowed:

Jeff's mom, Bonnie, has a new hobby: she is learning to play the dulcimer. She learned a few new songs for our visit and Silas was totally mesmerized:


After our outside play and entertainment, Nanne Sue had presents for all. What can be better than several huge boxes wrapped in beautiful paper with big bows. Emma got the unwrapping started:

We all had a great laugh when we opened the boxes and found "Snuggies" for everyone. These are the blankets with sleeves that people constantly make fun of. She bought three in kids sizes...

And two in adult size:

As silly as the commercials are...we have been so happy to have these this winter. I literally use mine every evening and the kids wear them to bed like giant robes. We love them.

The Trip

Several years ago, Jeff and I decided that we wanted to make our childrens' 6th birthdays very special and memorable. Since that is the year they start Kindergarden and by 6 they are old enough to remember, we have done special trips.

Silas turned 6 on November 20th so we took a Disney Cruise. I can't imagine that I even need to say how fabulous it was. The service was excellent, the food was great and the kids had a great time (minus Abby who stayed in Tyler with her "Nona").

We ate ice cream before lunch

and swam in the middle of November

and played in the Atlantic Ocean

and held up rockets with our brute strength...