Christmas Eve

Before we knew it Christmas Eve arrived and so did Uncle Don, Aunt Trudy, cousin Duncan and Great Papaw. Kaylee and Campbell could not wait for them to arrive. Once they did we enjoyed a lot of eating and laughter.

Of course Nana also had prepared a few countdown presents for the girls to open that day but we decided to leave the rest of the presents for Christmas day.

After the wonderful dinner the girls got a little help from Nana making cookies for Santa to enjoy. As you can see from the pictures they had a wonderful time.

Here are the delicious cookies all ready for Santa.

Love those sweet faces!!

Next on the list for the evening was loading up all the ladies to go look at Christmas lights around town. Nana even had cut out the top spots to see around the area. Kaylee and Campbell were very excited but also tired from all the celebrating we had done already. Once we arrived back at the house the girls sprinkled reindeer food out on the lawn for all of the reindeer to enjoy while waiting for Santa to put the gifts under the tree.

Here they are all snuggled up with Daddy ready to read The Night Before Christmas and get tucked in so Santa will come.

Christmas w/ Gigi

On the Thursday before Christmas we packed up the car and headed to Papa and Nana's to start our first celebration with family there. Shortly after getting there Gigi arrived too. The girls were so excited to get to spend some time with her and of course open presents. Kaylee was so excited to open up the Paper Jamz drum set and Campbell got the Paper Jamz electric guitar. I must say that the gifts kept them entertained for the rest of the evening. I love them because they both have a volume control;-)

Campbell rockin out with her guitar!

Kaylee so excited about the drum set!

We were all so thankful to celebrate with Gigi and enjoy a yummy meal together.

Our Family Gift Exchange

As usual for us we always have a little Christmas celebration at home before leaving to go to my parents. We usually pick a night before we leave to share our gifts to each other. I love that we get to have this time together before leaving town.

This year the biggest hit for the girls was a last minute gift I picked up at Dillards. Who would have guessed the Amazin Hamsters would be the big hit for the night? Kaylee also liked her cookbook. I have to say I am looking forward to some meals that she will prepare for us. Campbell was also very excited about her Barbie make-up too. Can't wait to see where all I find the make-up;-) We were all very excited about our gifts and time together.

2 Class Christmas Parties- 1 Attendee

Last Wednesday I had two class parties to help with...

First on the list was Campbell's class party at 1:00pm which she did not get to attend due to a strep diagnosis the day before;-( I had to go help the room mom though because I had already signed up to help. It was fun to see all of Campbell's friends enjoying themselves but it made me sad that Campbell missed her first real school party. I did make her an ornament and take her a plate of snacks before running to Kaylee's party.

Kaylee's party started at 2:30pm and I was the room mom for that one so I ran like a crazy woman to get there and get everything together. Luckily for me it is pretty low key at the Intermediate Campus so there was no craft to do because the party only lasts 30 minutes. I did take a game to play but there was no time for that either. By the time the students passed out Christmas cards to each other and ate a snack it was time for the bus kids to leave. The party was fast and furious but in the end everyone had a great time and it felt good to check it off my list. I cannot believe my baby is in third grade! The current year has flown by as have the past nine years.

Here is Kaylee with her sweet teacher. Do you think Kaylee likes her at all? (haha)

Hopefully next year I will be able to post on both of the girls' parties with pictures too.

Oklahoma Christmas & a Graduation

Last Thursday we checked out of Abilene and made the 5 hour journey to Edmond, Oklahoma to celebrate Cary's youngest sister's graduation from college and have Christmas with his side of the family.The girls were so excited to be able to go see their cousins and stay a few nights. I think they were more excited about the visit than the presents. As soon as we turned into the driveway there were kids jumping up and down in the car as well as the yard. We are blessed that they all get along so well and really do love each other. We had never been to see their new home so it was a real treat. The best part is we got there in time to frost Chiara's famous sugar cookies and eat a few before heading to bed for the night.

The next morning we were up bright and early to celebrate Landrea on her big day. Cary got the honor of hooding her during the ceremony. We were all so proud of her great accomplishment despite many obstacles along the way. She has really made the most of life and we are so happy that she got to cross this goal off her list. After the ceremony we went to Landrea's favorite restaurant, Spaghetti Warehouse, along with a lot of other family members who made the trip too. There we got to honor her with gifts that she will hopefully treasure the rest of her life and show her how special she is to all of us. We love you Lan and cannot wait to watch you fly some more.

The rest of the weekend was filled with game playing, cooking, eating, presents and a lot of laughter. Travis and Chiara were great hosts the whole weekend. We definitely did not go away hungry. Thank you so much for opening up your home to us and for all the fun we had while there. We are looking forward to many more visits in the years to come.

The picture above shows the whole crew together.

Here are Campbell and Chenna waiting sorta patiently to open presents.

Kaylee with Catch and Colt

Devon really got into the present opening this year. He is really at a fun age to watch.

Santa and Christmas lights

It is just not Christmas time around our house without looking at lights and getting a little chat with Santa. We decided that Saturday was as good a night as any so we went to eat at Texas Roadhouse before beginning our light tour at the Abilene State School. They have a little lighted avenue there along with some fun things to do inside including seeing Santa. (I still cannot believe that Christmas is upon us.) The girls always look forward to this tradition we have and so do the parents.

Santa was a big hit! The girls were grinning from ear to ear while talking with him and listening to him chuckle. Kaylee told me as we were waiting in line that she was going to ask him for a DS game instead of an iTouch because she did not want him to think she was spoiled. Where does she get this stuff? I have never said those words to her before. I just had to laugh to myself. Campbell of course stuck to her wish of getting Lotso Huggin Bear from Toy Story 3. I love my girls and it is so fun to see them enjoying all the magic of the season.

After checking out all the fun displays and sitting with Santa we headed around town to look at all the wonderful Christmas decorations with yummy eggnog shakes in hand of course. There were so may home that were decked out for the holidays. What fun memories once again.

NYC-Day 4 & 5

On Sunday we decided to go to Lalo's of You've Got Mail fame. It was a very beautiful and quaint bakery with many wonderful sounding items on the menu. I have to say that the fresh baked scone I had was the best scone I have ever eaten in my life. I am sure all the other baked goods were yummy too. Just being in there was like walking into a dream. I could have sat at a table by the window all day and just enjoyed the atmosphere, coffee & scone and a good book.

After we all ate we headed a few blocks to Central Park. I loved our stroll through Central Park!! We even got a sweet lady to take a picture of all of us but alas it was not with my camera so I do not have the picture yet;-) All of the scenery was beautiful. My only wish was that Tavern on the Green was still open so we could have enjoyed something yummy there.

As we were walking through the park we got to experience carolers, people taking carriage rides, ice skating and all the beauty of this park in the middle of the city.

Once we had walked from one end of the park to the other we arrived at our second destination which was 5th Avenue. Hello shopping Mecca!! Our first stop was FAO Schwartz. I have to say that this store made me wish that my girls were there too. I cannot wait to take them back with me one day. There were beautiful baby dolls, Barbies that you can customize yourself, the famous Giant Piano, very large stuffed animals and so much more. I felt like a little kid just being in there.

Of course the real candy store for me ended up being right down the street...

I think that there were six floors of the most beautiful jewelry you have ever seen. What is it about that blue box that is so inviting? I had my heart set on a little something before we got there so I did walk away with a simple classic Tiffany's bracelet. I felt like a giddy school girl walking out the door with my blue bag in hand. That little blue box was everything I thought it would be and more;-) Thank you to my sweet husband who encouraged the trip.

After Tiffany's we managed to eat at a local sandwich shop before heading out to shop a little more at Rockerfeller Plaza area. I managed to fight my way into the American Girl Store to get a few things surprises for the girls and a quick trip over to Anthropologie and Saks. By the time we were finished it was reservation time at Blue Mesa owned by Bobby Flay. I have to say this was hands down the best meal of the week. Everything that our table had was delicious. I think I could have eaten there for every meal and not grown tired of it. Kaylee was so jealous when I told her we had been there to eat. That will be another place I will have to take the girls one day. Next we headed back to the apartment to chat for a while before packing our suitcases for our departure the next day.

Monday we got up early and some of us headed back to Chinatown to shop. Then we ate at a great deli close to Macy's before catching our taxis at 1:00pm to head to the airport. We had a good time laughing and talking while waiting for our plane. (You know you are among good friends when you spend a lot of time together and are still left wanting more.) Once we got to Dallas we were so glad to be back to polite people and some wonderful smiles. There is not a lot of either of those things in NYC. When our plane arrived in Abilene we were all ready to see our husbands and children. What a wonderful vacation but there is truly "No place like Home!"

Thank you to my awesome husband who held down the fort very well while I was gone and is always such a blessing to me. I love you!!

NYC-Day 3

The third day of our trip was Saturday so we started our day at Lombardi's for some pizza. Doesn't it look delicious? Yes, that is me chowing down while my friend snaps a picture, in my defense it was breakfast/lunch;-)

Then we boarded the subway and headed for Battery Park to visit Lady Liberty.

Some of our group went on the boat to see the Statue of Liberty up close while the rest of us who had already seen it got some warm roasted almonds and walked around Wall Street. We also spent some time in the Sephora looking at all the make-up. I felt like a kid in a candy store. The little girl in me still loves all of the fun samples.

Then we wandered down the street to Trinity Church which is one of the oldest churches in New York City. The outside and inside of the church has the most beautiful architectural details. I would love to be able to go there to just sit and be with the Lord sometime. Next we moved on to a store called Century 21 which was kinda like if you were to combine Ross and TJ Maxx. I am sure there were some great deals there but I just could not shop with all of those people up under me.

Therefore, we left and went to the current location for the World Trade Center Memorial Museum. Wow! It felt so weird to be standing where all of that disaster took place. There were several items that survived the attack and were put on display as well as some items that did not fair so well. The most emotional part for me was the room that had a list of all the names of those lost on that day along with fliers and photos of those who were missing. I cannot imagine what those families went through and still go through each day.

I also loved this wall of tiles that the children had made in the days after 911 and still to this day. You could tell each tile had a lot of thought and love put into it. If you are ever in NYC you have to go see this museum. As we were walking out of the museum I noticed that there is a fire station right next door, it made me wonder if that station was there when the towers fell or if it had been relocated.

After the tour of Ground Zero we needed a little lift in spirits so we boarded the Subway and went to Chinatown for a little shopping.

I do not remember which day this picture was taken but we said that we looked a little like Moms' Gone Wild in the Subway car. Do not worry we actually had the car all to ourselves for the first and I believe only time on our trip. We all managed to pick-up a purse or two in Chinatown and then headed to Juniors in Times Square for some yummy diner style food. I have to say that we had been told they had the best cheesecake and they were right! It was divine!

Of course then we had to walk around Times Square and do a little shopping. I loved the Forever 21 store, Disney Store and the M&M store.

NYC- Day 2

On Friday we got started with a little help from Starbucks and headed towards some shopping. Our plan was to make our way from our apartment to Bryant Park and hit all the shopping that looked good between the two places. We found H&M first which is not hard to do when they seem to be located on every corner. I have to mention that we seemed to draw attention where ever we went walking through NYC. I suppose they had never seen 13 Texas women at one time before;-) The next fun stop was definitely Bryant Park. There were so many little shops set up in the park along with the beautiful ice skating rink.

We found this great restaurant that had heat and a second level so we could enjoy the view of the rink and the park. Then we were refueled and ready to shop some more. If you are ever in Bryant Park you have to get the popcorn there. I got a bag of the carmel corn and it was the best popcorn I have ever eaten! There was also a beautiful carousel there to look at.

Once we were done there some of us headed back to Macy's. I had to get a few things my daughters had requested;-) Of course, I had to get an ornament as a momento of the trip for me too.

Let me just say if you go to NYC at Christmas definitely shop during the week if possible. Fridays at Macy's are insane. Let's just say I got what I needed and was done.

Next on the list was freshening up and heading to Radio City Music Hall to see the Rockettes. On the way there we got to see the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree! It was such a beautiful sight. I think for a moment it took my breath away. Too bad there seemed to be about 5,000 other people with the same idea. Once we got to Radio City I was amazed at the beauty of the theatre. It is a sight to behold! They had it decorated for the holidays from top to bottom and the show was better than I had imagined. I wish I could have one set of those long legs. How do they kick like that? Wow!

After the show we were headed over to dinner at a restaurant called Park Avenue-Winter. The restaurant changes decor and the menu with the seasons. The only bad part about this evening was the blisters my high heeled boots rubbed on my feet because the walk ended up being further than our fearless leader thought. The food made everything better though.

By the end of this day some of my friends figured up that we had walked about 13 miles, that is not including all the trips in and out of the subway station. Let's just say my feet were happy to be relaxing and done at the end of the day.

NYC- Day 1

Well all 13 of us made it home from our Girls' Getaway to NYC. I have to say that the Big Apple at Christmastime was as magical as I had imagined. We arrived in NYC on Thursday around lunch and immediately went to the apartment we rented in the Chelsea area. Let me just say if you ever need to rent a roomy apartment in the city for a reasonable price we found the perfect spot. The landlady came down to greet us and was extremely accommodating. I think we all felt a little sigh of relief when everything turned out just as pictured. We quickly dropped off our suitcases and headed out the door to Macy's which was only about 2 blocks from our apartment.

Let me just say Macy's knows how to celebrate Christmas from the window displays outside to the beautiful decor inside it was Amazing!! We were told to get in line on Thursday to see Santa so we did. You can imagine Santa's eyes when he saw 13 ladies coming his way to sit in his lap. It was pretty funny! By the time we looked around a little it was time to head out to an early dinner at Carmine's which is an Italian Family Style Restaurant that is delicious. Of course non of us had eaten since early that morning so we were not hard to please.

This picture is only half of us;-)

After dinner we went to Times Square which was lit up just like you see it on the television. I did not know which way to look first because there was so much to take in. We did not have any time to shop because we had to get to this musical...

WICKED was fantastic!! I think at the end of the show we were all pretty much speechless at the production we had just seen. Ever since that night I have had the song "popular" in my head so if you see me around and wonder what I am thinking, I am probably singing to myself.

We all were tired and so thrilled to be in NYC at the end of the day.

*Just so those of you reading this know I am going to be posting on each day so I do not forget anything, feel free to not read it all;-)

Christmas Comes Early for Me this Year!!!

Well by the time you are reading this I will be high in the sky on my way to New York City with 12 of my precious girlfriends. I am so excited since this is a trip I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. We are all staying in a two level apartment in the Chelsea Area. Our tickets are already purchased to see this musical...

as well as this show...

granted Our shopping lists are made and reservations are booked at some amazing restaurants along with a list of other must see attractions while we are there. I cannot wait to experience this fabulous place at Christmastime!!

Happy 9th Birthday Kaylee!!

Today my firstborn turned 9!! I still cannot believe it. I know that those words are written in my blog post each year but it is still true. Kaylee has grown and changed so much over the past year. I can see each day her own personality coming out more and more. I could not be any prouder of the young lady she is turning out to be.

Instead of a big party this year we opted to have a few friends over to spend the night. My amazingly talented friend, Lindi, offered to come over and teach a cake decorating class so of course I took her up on it. Kaylee was over the moon with excitement since she wants to open her own bakery when she grows up. Her favorite shows are Cake Boss, Ultimate Cakes, Charm City Cakes and any kind of Food Challenge that involves decorating cakes in different themes. Do you see a pattern here? It was so much fun watching the girls think of how they wanted to decorate their cakes. The decorations they chose were as different as their personalities. I loved it and so did they. Thanks again Lindi for making Kaylee's party a huge hit. (Kaylee's peace sign cake with animal print.)

After the cake decorating, eating a little cake and opening presents the girls got their party favors. Can you tell what they were? I have never seen girls so excited over a party favor of pajamas. Too funny! Once they all had their pajamas on we went to the late showing of Megamind. I figured as long as they were going to be awake I mine as well plan something. Once we returned home they were all ready for some sleep and so was I.

Nine things I want to remember about Kaylee this year...

1. She is a wonderful friend to everyone. I have never heard her say anything rude or ugly to anyone or about anyone.

2. She is an amazing student in behavior as well as academically. So far she has maintained a Straight A report card from the time they started getting real grades in first grade until now. She loves to learn and always does her best.

3. As you can tell from the above post she loves to bake. If it has to do with cooking she is ready and excited to help.

4. She loves to play the piano. Since starting lessons a year ago she has come so far and I love to hear her play.

5. She loves little children. Anytime we go somewhere with friends and there are younger children to play with she entertains them. She especially loves to play with some of our friends' triplets.

6. Softball is still her sport of choice but she did decide to take a tap class this year. I love watching her giving both of them her all!

7. She loves to do any activity that involves the whole family. Whether playing a game, bowling, going to the movies or just eating out she just likes for us to all be together having fun.

8. She will still sit down and tell me all about her day. I mean a total play by play of the day's events. I pray that this continues because I love knowing what her day is like when I am away from her.

9. She loves God and her family most of all! There is nothing that compares to her telling me all the things she has learned about God and us talking about it together. I pray that she always has a heart for Him.

Kaylee, when I think of you I truly think of pure JOY! When you were born our lives changed forever in the best way possible. You have always made us so proud with the choices you have made and the way you treat others. I know that God has amazing things in store for you life and I just feel so blessed that I have a front row seat. You are beautiful inside and out. Thanks be to our God for sending such a big gift in such a tiny package nine years ago. We love you so much and are looking forward to seeing all the wonderful things year nine has in store for you.

Halloween 2010!!

Well another Halloween came and went sooner than we expected. Kaylee decided to be a chef, more specifically a pastry chef this year. Campbell on the other hand decided to stick to a beloved movie character and dress-up as Jesse. I thought that both costumes turned out great!! We again tackled our yearly tradition of meeting at the Robinsons' Home and then trick or treating all over our neighborhood. I think we ended up walking around for about 2 1/2 hours. The girls' bags were filled with candy and other treats by the time we headed home from the fun evening. At least I got my exercise so I could consume a snickers or two later;-)

Once we got home the girls wanted to hand out some candy at our house so we greeted several cute Trick or Treaters until the crowd started dying down and we had to head to bed.

I am so glad that we got to experience such a fun tradition again this year with some of our favorite people. My daughters are already thinking about what they will be next year. I am just glad we have a year to think about it.