Christmas Part 1....

Happy 2009!!! The last few weeks felt long and wonderful, but then again I feel like they flew by too! We had a great break from the 'real world'. Matt took 2 weeks off and it was so wonderful having him with us all day everyday for that long period of time. I think it spoils us. I have 2 parts of our 'Holiday Blog'. The first is our time away in Tyler and the 2nd is when the Mullins crew came here. Both were equally fun, and of course I have about 900 million pictures to show for it. I'm planning to turn my blog thus far into a book (not sure when I'll get around to doing that, but it's on my list!), so expect tons of pictures because this blog is my 'memory book' too!

We went to Tyler the Sunday before Christmas. We seriously have these long road-trips down pretty good. The kids are awesome travelers too. We watch a lot of movies and I become the snack queen. They can almost get whatever they want from me as long as we don't have to make too many stops. Our car becomes flooded with goldfish and cheerios, but hey, you do what you have to, right? We spent the first part of our Tyler trip with my Dad and Shelley, and the 2nd part with my mom and John. It could not have been any better. The kids were spoiled rotten and had so much fun.

Matt, the kids, and I drove one day to Sulphur Springs to see my grandmother, my aunt, and cousins. We enjoyed seeing them and being there.

Christmas Eve....well, Hudson was BEYOND excited about Santa coming. He could not sleep because of the excitement. It was sooo cute. He thought every sound was Santa. We put out Christmas cookies and milk as well as carrots for Santa's reindeer. I know Santa sure had fun getting his Pirate ship all ready for Hudson. I think Santa and his helper had a hard time sleeping too because they were so excited.

Christmas morning was one of those moments that you would like to freeze. Hudson's face when he turned that corner and saw his BIIIIIG pirate ship was so precious. He was in heaven. He loved it! Santa was even nice enough to leave Hudson a letter reminding him to share and be kind to his sister. He also told Harper to not take brother's toys from him. We'll see if that helps! HA!

Mom and John prepared a 5 star meal on Christmas day. Stuffed flounder with the most wonderful sides you've ever tasted. They seriously cooked from morning to night, and it was to -die-for! Matt and I went to see Benjamin Button with Paul and Suzanna. Any chance we can get to go see a movie we'll take!! It was really good!

Santa was good to us all! Huddy got his pirate ship with 5 pirates. He also finally completed his Batman collection with the Bat-airplane. Harper got her first Cabbage Patch. They both got new books. Huddy got a new bike and helmet from Daddy Pops and Grammy. Harper got a Disney Princess ride-on toy. Hudson also got a set of Dinosaurs that he LOVES. Harper also got a purse and necklace. Hudson especially loved opening his gifts up this year. He was so excited about everything. It was so fun and such a sweet memory!

Matt and I got 2 new cameras. A cannon point and shoot because the one we bought when Hud was a baby is almost dead. ANDDDDD we finally splurged and bought us a SLR camera. We ended up with the Nikon D60. I think I am mostly excited about this purchase! We also did things around the house with our Christmas money. New lamps for our bedroom, and new drapes. I'll have to show pictures because I am sooo proud of it!

On our way home we stopped and saw Jose, Angie, and baby Hannah! It was SOOO good seeing them. We miss them so much and wish they did not live soooo far from us! It was not near long enough of a visit, but any time is good. It was our first time to meet their Hannah and I think we all agreed that we could take her home with us. Hudson and Harper loved her. That was a highlight of our week seeing them!!!

Overall Christmas was wonderful! I loved our time in Tyler. It was special because it was our last time to go for Christmas. Starting next year we are going to stay home for Christmas. We are ready to start our own traditions here and let the kids wake up Christmas morning in their own beds. We are looking forward to that!

Here are pictures for Christmas part 1!!! Part 2 coming up!!!


Nana, boyfriend Clay, and Hud!

Little sissy poo waiting to open up presents at Daddy Pops and Grammys!


The ninjas playing!

Unk and Hud!

Daddy Pops and Grammy with the babies.

Opening up the dinosaurs

Here's the BIKE!!!!!!



Cousin Zoe with Hud and Harper.

With my cousins....we were missing Shelley.

My little side-kick didn't want her picture made with Suepa...

Playing with UNK....Hudson LOVES his UNK!

All ready to leave for Christmas Eve dinner.

Daddy's balancing act.

Suz, me, and Dad.

Silly Jack hanging out on the pirate ship.

First reaction......

Soooo excited!

Lookin' good Christmas morning.

Our little Diva loves purses!

A mama in training.

Handsome Huddy!

College roomies with their babies!

The daddy's and their girls.

My stud and his baby girl!

She was so cute and prissy that day!

Angie and Hannah!!!