We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's! We certainly did ... it went by way too fast and was a little too busy, but it was very nice!
Wayne and I were both off work and Emily was out of school.
Poor Wayne, I told him that I wanted the house painted by Christmas and I told him the week before like any sweet sweet wife would do ... (OK, so maybe it was TWO weeks) and he spent many late nights (early mornings) painting and painting. It looks great!
We celebrated Christmas Eve at home with Nancy, Eddie, Traci and John. Wayne made chili and beans. Nancy made Spanish Rice and we bought some tamales. It was yummy yummy yummy! I love Mexican Food on Christmas Eve! After feasting we opened presents and the kids hit the jack pot again. Emily got a new Leapster, (her old one doesn't work all that well, but Elliot sure likes it!) some SkippyJon Jones books (these make us laugh every time we read them!) Operation, and a beautiful snow globe (she gets a new one every year). Elliot got a Laugh and Learn Horse, Little People bus and some books. I am sure I am missing somethings ... ! Needless to say they were very spoiled this Christmas!
On Christmas day the kids slept late believe it or not! Emily finally woke up and was so excited. Santa brought her the Christmas Barbie (last year's, this year's looks a little trampy) and Elliot the Little People Firetruck.
They opened even more presents when Chris, Trina, Amy, Nancy and Eddie came over (stick horse, puzzles, necklaces, Sorry, Build a Bear gift certificate ... and I am sure there is more!). We ate brisket, mashed potatoes, had left over beans and tamales and some veggies. I made JailHouse rolls and once again didn't get something right. I try every year and something always goes haywire. Maybe one day they'll work! Grandpa made some while we were in Winnie and they were perfect.
The day after Christmas we headed to Winnie for a visit. Mike and Amanda were in from California and Lester cooked more meat than anyone has ever seen - HA I only saw pictures of the Prime Rib (I did have some yummy left overs) ... there was food, alcohol and sweets flying. We played some new fun games ... Wayne and I now have Partini (everyone beware if you come over, you are playing it!) and we might have to get Pictionary Man ... we also played Moment of Truth - and that was funny too ... Austen just answered yes to everything that came up ... HA!
Let's see, what else? OOOH the kids were spoiled once again with some precious clothes, fun games (petshop, clue jr, trouble), Thomas stuff (Ellliot just LOVES Thomas), a purse for Emily and Dolly Dolly, Clipo, gift cards, and some clothes for Dolly Dolly.
Wow, talk about Santa coming to town ... 5 times!
This is why Emily REALLY doesn't need ANYTHING for her birthday ... buuut for those of you saying "I have to get her something" she loves new clothes.
We are working on Thank You cards (Angela and Trent, you are supa fast!) but until then here is a big cyber THANK YOU!!!!!
While we were in Winnie, Wayne and I took a trip down to the beach and WOW. Words can not describe what it's like ... really. I thought I was prepared after talking to mom and dad and seeing so many pictures, but the devastation really takes your breath away. It's amazing and horrible and so very depressing. The water is almost over the road in Gilchrist, there is sand in places sand shouldn't be, debris everywhere, the few houses that are left standing look war torn ... it's just Wow.
On a happier note, Wayne went to see the Texans with Austen (thanks to Lester and his season tickets!) .. Wayne said this was his first NFL game .. and they won, double bonus. It was cold and rainy that day, but they stayed until the end ... freezing their cute little butts off.
Once back in Cedar Park we put up Christmas decorations - it's much more fun to put them up isn't it? - and tried to get organized ... we still aren't organized!
We went to see Trina McLarty and the Three Finger Jack Band play at Juniors. Emily loves it when they play at family friendly places!
Emily got her ears pierced as an early Birthday present - she was so brave and excited until the girl did the first ear (why they didn't have two people on hand to do piercings that day I'll never know) ... she really didn't want to get the 2nd one done, but now that it's all over she's very happy!
We then took a trip to San Antonio to the Zoo, rode the train and celebrated Em's birthday early. I can't believe she'll be 6 on Wednesday - wowzers.
Speaking of Birthdays - Austen and Chris celebrated on Sunday - Happy Late Birthday guys!
Wow, it feels like I am missing something important in my update (yes, pictures, I know ... I'll get them done eventually I promise!), hopefully someone will remember what I am forgetting and remind me - HA
