Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas! Kalyn's class party kicked off our Christmas break with a big bang!

(Friday the 19th)
The kids in Kalyn's class had fun playing "Pin the nose on Rudolph", exchanging gifts, and eating sweets in the classroom. It is always fun to see Kalyn with her friends...she is growing up so much!

Later that evening we went over to the Lindig's house for some yummy lasagna and exchanged gifts. The kids had a blast playing with Mason and Jenna. Ricky and I enjoyed laughing and visiting with Kevin and Bonnie...we love you guys!

(Saturday, the 20th)
The next morning Ricky and I had our Christmas with the kids before traveling to Llano on Monday. We opened our presents and ate a big breakfast together as a family. Kalyn and I baked cookies the rest of the day while the boys did their own thing. It was a NICE low-key day.

Our fun didn't stop there...we headed to Manor later that evening for a get together with Ricky's family. There was a delicious Mexican buffet and everyone enjoyed catching up. The cousins had fun playing...Sheldon had fun with the boys and Kalyn enjoyed playing with Shyann and Uncle Brad.

(Sunday, the 21st)
Our church had a Children's Christmas Program/Stew Supper this evening. The fellowship started with a short devo before we ate supper. The stew was perfect since it was pretty cold outside and there was a big selection of wonderful desserts! Once everyone was finished, the kids put on a cute program...they sang several songs and signed a couple songs too! Even Sheldon participated which was a surprise to us...he told us earlier in the dsay that he WOULD NOT do it! It was great to watch the kids having fun out there with their friends. We are blessed to be a part of the wonderful family at Murray Street church of Christ.

(Monday, the 22nd)
Since Ricky had to work today the kids and I decided to head to Llano. First, we went into Austin to have lunch with a high school friend of mine, Summer. We hadn't seen each other in 10 years and we played basketball and ran track together in high school. Her husband, Jeff, was in our class as well and they are living in Connecticut while Jeff completes his residency. They hope to move to Texas in June as Jeff will officially become a DVM!! It was wonderful to see them and catch up...the kids enjoyed playing with each other while we were there.

(Wednesday, the 24th)
For as long as I can remember, we have always gone to Granny and Papa O's house in Llano on Christmas Eve. This kids were with us this year and it was so wonderful to watch them have fun with their cousins and enjoy opening their presents from everyone. Uncle Gary cooked steaks for supper and we had lots of YUMMY desserts, cookies, and candy. We were all stuffed!!

(Thursday, the 25th)
Santa came to Llano! We decided to do "Santa" gifts here with all the kids...it was great fun! It gets better each year as the kids get older to watch them really get into the Christmas spirit. Sheldon got his gameboy with a Star Wars game and a set of his very own traps from Santa. Santa left a karaoke machine and a vet kit for Kalyn. Colten got a race track and a John Deere truck with a skid loader on a trailer. Cambry got drums and some other cute baby toys. About mid morning Boppo and Judy came over for us to exchange gifts. Later on, Oni had everyone in the family come over for lunch...ham, smoked turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans, etc. YUM-O!! We all enjoyed spending Christmas at Granden and Oni's house...what a wonderful tradition!!

Later in the afternoon we headed home to have Christmas with Mimi, Uncle Brad, and Aunt Damary. Mimi cooked a delicious meal with enchiladas, tacos, and all the fixings. We all enjoyed playing with Kalyn's new karaoke machine. Mimi started a new tradition...."pass the candy cane" game as we read "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Each time the word "the" was read, the candy cane was passed to the next person until the last person holding the candy cane got the surprise..this year it was Ricky. We enjoyed it and it was wonderful to spend time with everyone!

The kids left the next morning for Houston. We had a wonderful Christmas with our families and look forward to many more fun times in 2009. May God bless you and family as we start a new year. Happy New Year!!