Back to the North Pole

I can't believe Christmas is over for another year...  the gifts are unwrapped and have found homes within our home and now we work to get back to the daily grind.

My Mom always works to make sure Christmas is magical and she does it with such style.  Her home looks like a magazine and the food is always divine.  Our family (and my brother's) always Christmas at my parents house.  I'm not sure it would really feel like Christmas anywhere else.

The kids are so fun and it really made me sad to put up "tattle" (our elf on the shelf) because I don't know how much longer they will wake up excited to see his new landing spot or caper.  This year he stole candy canes, played in the hair bows, and stole Jadon's chocolate milk.  I don't know how much longer they will believe Santa is the one eating the milk and cookies or they will watch out the window trying to spot Santa flying through the air.

As they say, enjoy and savor the moment because they go by sooooo quickly.

We tried to extend Christmas a bit by driving up to Christmas Wonderland near College station last night (yes, after the holiday to avoid the mad crowds) and had a blast.  We thanked Santa for our gifts given this is where he relaxes before heading back to the North Pole to start making toys again.  We played in the snow (fake)... and took a hayride through the lighted wonderland.  FUN FUN....

We got home about 10 p.m. and found Cody was running 104.5 fever....  needless to say we were up throughout the night combating his fever.  I took him to the ped this morning and it's a virus which has to run it's course.  He does seem better today, so fingers are crossed.

I didn't take a TON of pictures because it's really hard to play photographer and still be a real part of the mix and I'd rather be part of things than photographing them...  but here are some quick snaps....


My nephew Lane who is the sweetest little doll ever!!



Yes....  We are very into Star Wars....  the light sabers where a TOTAL HIT!!!


The girls with their Paw Paw who made them doll cradles... someday these will go to my girls daughters.... so special!!



The tether ball is going to take a little practice. Kaylee's 1st instinct was to try and sit on the ball.

Another item requiring some practice....



About half way into opening gifts Addison got very quiet... she had asked Santa for a doll house and was beginning to worry it was one of the items he had left off the list. My parents got her the house and she showed her thanks with the biggest heart felt hug...

So, as you can see the blessings overflowed and I look forward to another year with my children and wonderful husband and I thank you... Mom, Dad, GG, David, Kerri, and Lane for another wonderful family Christmas!!!