Conroe Christmas 2013

The girls were really excited about Christmas this year. They got into every aspect of Christmas, both religious and secular. We are so blessed to be able to share this time with our loved ones and that we are able to give our children rich experiences and plenty (too many) of gifts and surprises.

Some of the traditions they enjoyed include 

• finding 'Ellie the Elf' each morning, 
• trimming the Christmas tree
• reading our advent book each night, 
• moving the angel on the advent calendar, 
• building a gingerbread house with daddy, 
• watching every kids Christmas movie ever made, 
• playing with their wooden nativity set, 
• singing Christmas carols, 
• driving around to look at Christmas lights
• going on a nativity scavenger hunt
• telling the Christmas story from memory
• wrapping and giving presents
• lots and lots of hot chocolate

On Christmas eve we drove to Conroe and arrived just in time to get ready for the Children's Christmas Mass. From there we went back to Grandma and Gramps and enjoyed every moment of Christmas.

Merry Christmas:

 Umm guys, can we take a picture without you choking me please!

By the Fire:

Getting ready for a visit from Santa!

Presents Galore

Alexandria Christmas 2013

Off to Alexandria we headed for the 2nd time in a month, thats a record! We very much enjoyed spending time with Grana, Granddad, Aunt Steph, Uncle Philip, Uncle Blake and our extended Louisiana family! The little ones had fun running around and screaming and giggling and playing with their 'cousins'.

Hanging out at Memaw's house:

"Christmas Eve" (really Sat night) at Louis's (Uncle Paul and Aunt Debbie's) House:

As many kids as we could get at the time! 

The Brooks Kids, the Rayder Kids, the Tanton Kids, and Reese 

Missing Sydney and Louis :( 

 Vincent, Virginia, and Victoria Brooks

Reese and Sydney

Present Time! American girl dolls for the Big Girls!

 Caroline likes the box better!

Ready for Mass:

Hallie and Annabelle are both feeling sick but they were troopers at mass!

The Most Wonderful Time

On our way to the Annual KHA Christmas Party. 

We enjoy getting dressed up (ok just Amanda), delicious food at fun restaurants, and a chance to socialize with Jason's coworkers.

Meanwhile Grandma and Aunt Christy took the girls to see Santa at the neighborhood clubhouse. Caroline was not interested in sitting with Santa, maybe next year! Google added this snow for me, I didn't even ask it to, crazy!

Hugs for Santa!

Around the House

 I can decorate too mommy and daddy! 

Look at those turkey thighs, I love it!

 Gingerbread house, a new annual tradition with daddy. Hallie must be deep in concentration (either that or pouting)!

The Finished product! Way to go guys!

 Decorating Ginger Bread Men at Aunt Cat's

 Headed to Cece's Bear Picnic Birthday Party

 Two peas in a pod

 Headed to the Treehouse Park on a cold day!

 Scones for Big Girls, Milk for Caroline, and Starbucks for Mommy, doesn't get much better than this!!!

 She was so very proud of her tower.

 Yep, that right mom, I am having a tea party mom!

 This girl loves board games!!!

Always begging for good. Not sure what happened to this photo from my phone.

All Dressed Up

First a couple random cute ones from November.

 CareCare is getting so big!

Hallie loves puzzles, and Daddy helping is an added bonus.

 One Sunday before church. I adore dressing my daughters alike. I love this tulle gold glitter skirt and bright coral cardigan, thanks Target!

 The best of Friends.

Black and White Beauties.

Photoshoot at the Park

 We needed to get some energy out on Thanksgiving so the girls and Granddad headed to the park! The girls even agreed to a quick photoshoot before playing on the playground. Thanks Granddad for snapping some shots of us :)