Hollidays 2013

Abigail and John enjoyed their Christmas festivities this year.  Abi always loves to visit her Uncle Kevin's house.  This time she received the Rapunzel wedding gown -- she was absolutely enchanted and she played Christmas hostess handing out gifts and learning all her extended families names.

John and Abi both enjoyed hanging out with Uncles Kevin and Chris.  Sara and Andrew were also favorites of Abigail, and John enjoyed hanging out with Uncle Norman. 

It was a fun trip for all of us -- Matt and I are mastering the drive with two kids, and Abigail is settling in to all the fun that a big family can bring. 

Outdoor lights -- this year we decided to try our hand at outdoor Christmas lighting.  We went as a family to pick out the decorations.  Abigail shocked us when she did not choose the attractive and tasteful decorations -- but went for the pink and purple Minnie's Bowtique Christmas house!  This is a Christmas decoration that will only be seen in 2013!

Jobe and Bebe  came for Christmas week.  The kids loved it. 

The playroom on Christmas morning.  We had at least 4 trash bags going at once -- trying to ensure all the small plastic pieces and other choking hazards were quickly disposed of while getting the toy into eager hands.

John's favorite gifts were boxes -- to pull up and climb on!  He also enjoyed eating and waving paper.  The boxes had to be removed quickly as he would push them together and climb up them to higher heights. 

I think Abigail is still overwhelmed and undecided about which gift is her favorite -- but I do not think there was one she did not like.  The gold ring with pink diamonds was lost three times on Christmas day and finally put up for safe keeping. 

John enjoying Abigail's new tea set. 

Abigail iced beautiful rainbow Christmas cookies with Bebe and then decorated a Minnie Mouse cake for all of us. 

We went on several family walks -- to get out Abigail's excess energy.  We hunted for Snowmen, waved and chatted with neighbors and enjoyed the sunny afternoons. 

Abigail gave nearly every tree a Christmas hug. 

This might be the only still moment for all four of us at one time (day or night) the entire week. 

Abigail having a blast with her Jobe and Bebe.  Today they left and she has definitely had a difficult day without them. 

Gaylord Texan Santa exhibit.  This was a great adventure for us -- not too much traffic or crowds and a pleasant morning out of the house -- and away from imaginary play that was exhausting the adults and never enough for Abi. 

Warming up after the ICE exhibit -- milk, diet coke and icicles. 

John survived the 8 degree ICE exhibit better than most -- happy smile as always.