Christmas Eve

This year Bryan was unfortunately scheduled to work most of the days leading up to and after Christmas, except for Christmas Eve.  We made the plan to head to Houston after his shift on Sunday and spend Christmas Eve celebrating with his family before heading home.  

Unfortunately our plans were somewhat changed as Bryan's grandmother, Grandma Pickett, passed away on Tuesday December 18th at the age of 88.  Bryan was able to get his shift covered on Saturday, so we ended up bringing the boys to my parents on Friday so we could attend the visitation and funeral in Louisiana.  We are sad to have lost Grandma Pickett but were so encouraged by the legacy she left of faith-filled children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bryan drove to College Station and back to work his Sunday shift and then we headed over to his parent's house to celebrate Christmas with them.  Craig, Michelle, Carolyn, Billy & Will came over on the morning of Christmas Eve so we could exchange gifts and have Christmas lunch.  

The boys opening up their big gift from Gran Jan & Pop Pop -

a new trampoline!  It has been a big hit.

Will got a Cozy Coupe Truck!

Our best attempt at a group shot on Christmas Eve

Gran Jan & Pop Pop with their grandsons - notice Caleb's feet aren't even touching the floor

Daddy & Caleb having fun outside 

My sweet Joshie, who is now big enough to swing on the big boy swing all by himself 

Will was kind enough to share his truck with Joshua,

Joshua was kind enough to share his shoes with Will,

and Michelle was kind enough to push them around at 33 weeks pregnant!! 

Will's turn to drive 

We drove home to College Station that afternoon and our boys were pretty much maxed out-- Caleb had multiple massive meltdowns while in Houston, and Joshua had a huge 45 minute meltdown when we woke him up from his nap to get him out of the car.  All signs pointed to total disaster if we tried to attend church (with no nursery service!) so we opted for an evening at home.  

Bryan put together the boy's trampoline outside while I made Pioneer Woman homemade spaghetti sauce, salad and bread.  We ate in the dining room with candles and the boys thought that was really special.  Of course Joshua had to bring his new favorite lovey, a stuffed Fairy Godmother doll he calls "Boppity" to the table.  She is included in our family photo leaning up against my cup :)

Caleb was excited about the candles and couldn't wait to blow them out after our meal. 

Of course he wanted to use a portable fan.

The boys took baths and then we made some cookies for Santa.  The boys tasted them to make sure they were going to be ok.   

Bryan read the Christmas story out of the Bible and we had the boys help act it out with our Fisher Price Nativity.  Sadly Caleb got distracted mid-story and we soon found a toy front-loader rumbling straight towards the manger scene.  We never have a dull moment around here :)

The boys were exhausted and went to bed easily that night which gave Santa plenty of time to get to work!    

Baby Shower for Michelle & Charlotte

On Sunday December 16th I helped to host a shower for my sister in law, Michelle.  She is expecting baby Charlotte in early February.  Charlotte will be the first granddaughter on both sides of the family so we have all enjoyed buying all things pink!  We hosted the shower at Jan's house and did a bird theme to tie into Michelle's nursery bedding for Charlotte.  It was so fun to celebrate Michelle and baby Charlotte.  Michelle is going to be a wonderful Mommy! 

I forced Michelle to do the awkward by-the-table pose

Bird cage centerpiece

Yummy food!

Our sign in table

Delicious cake from Lisa Barcelona - we made the cake topper ourselves!

Diaper cake made by Jan

Scripture for Charlotte's room

Thanks Pinterest

Monogrammed onesies and bird houses on the mantle

Michelle opening a fun box of year round holiday outfits for Charlotte - gift from Jan

More fun outfits for Charlotte!

The Grandmas, Virginia & Jan

Michelle with her Mom & Jan

Michelle with her Mom and her sister, Katie

Sisters in law!

The hostesses with Michelle

Mary Lou, Carolyn, Me & Connie

"Santa for Little People" Party

The boys attend the School for Little People at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station.  Each year they have an annual fundraiser and we attended this year for the first time on December 7th.  We were happy to have all four grandparents join us, too!  The event was very well done although chaotic with tons of preschoolers running around hyped up on sugar!  They had a dessert table, hot chocolate, balloon artists, craft stations, a silent auction and of course an opportunity to visit with Santa and have your picture taken.

Caleb with one of his fantastic teachers, Ms. Susan

Caleb insisted he did not want to go talk to Santa which is fine by me.  I know some people love to have a picture of their kids with Santa each year, even if the kids are screaming.  Caleb has always known what he likes and does not like - and visiting with Santa is not at the top of his list of things to do.  I know if we forced him to do it we'd likely end up with a screaming 4 year old making a huge scene on the stage so I choose to pick my battles and let him bypass the visit with Santa!  Joshua said he did want to see Santa so we waited in line, paid the $15 for the picture and then he refused to even let Santa touch him!  So we had a great time with me posing next to "Santy" as Joshua calls him.  

Joshua's $15 visit with Santa

One of the most popular activities was playing with the "snow" which was styrofoam popcorn peanuts.   

I wish I had gotten more pictures, especially ones of the boys with their grandparents but it was a little hectic.  We had a great time at the event and won some great stuff at the silent auction, many of it thanks to the generous bidding of the grandparents!  

Santa's Wonderland

On Thursday, December 6th we took the boys to Santa's Wonderland/ Santa's Town in College Station.  Joshua had never been, and it had been 2 years since Caleb visited.  I scored a fantastic Groupon that got our family of 4 in for half price.  The coupon was date restricted, but luckily we live so close that going on a weeknight works fine for our family.

Caleb tried to say that he didn't want to go in once we pulled up.  I think he was worried it would be overwhelming.  Luckily he trusted us and decided to participate, and ended up having a great time!

Headed to the hayride to see the lights

Family photo on the hayride

Hanging out in Santa's Town enjoying fudge and listening to live Christmas music

Watching the "snow" fall from the sky (aka snow machine)

Checking out one of Santa's reindeer

A close up of Prancer

With my sweet boys by the fire!  

We are loving this magical time of year with our boys, who truly enjoy every activity surrounding the Christmas season!

Chi Omega Reunion Weekend

During the first week of December my pledge class had their annual Chi Omega reunion in College Station.  I haven't been able to go in probably 5 or 6 years because of Bryan being in residency, having small children, etc.  I am so glad that I live in Aggieland now where it is much easier to participate and even host some of my dearest friends!

My very best friends Katy, Lexi and Jamie came in town from Boerne, Tulsa & Dallas to stay at my house.  It was so nice to be together and talk, laugh and have fun.  I was so very grateful that they were in town to help me get ready for the brunch at my house on Saturday morning!

Our brunch spread:

Pioneer Woman vegetable quiche, baked fruit, cinnamon roll cake, and Katy's savory ham & biscuit dish

We enjoyed coffee and mimosas too!

Ladies brunching and catching up

Group shot thanks to the self-timer on my camera

After brunch we went to visit the Chi O house where most of us lived for at least one year (or in my case, 2.5 years!).  We had fun seeing all of the rooms where we studied, laughed, ate, and slept during college!  The girls giving us the tour probably thought we were nuts but we had such fun laughing about old memories there.

Jamie & Lexi shared Room 2 our sophomore year

Katy & I shared Room 15 our sophomore year

Group photo on the stairs. 

We all agreed we should donate money so they can get rid of that awful wallpaper.

Probably the worst group picture we have ever taken since the sun was in our eyes!

After our tour we went to dinner at Cafe Eccel and then attended Chi Omega's annual Songfest.  It was fun to see all of the acts in Songfest and see what things have changed, and that many things have remained the same!

I am so incredibly grateful for these friendships that have stood the test of time!  13 years after meeting as freshman we still love each other's company and one weekend never seems like enough time.  I am looking forward to many reunions in College Station for years to come!

Caleb's First Aggie Football Game

Last night we took Caleb to his very first Aggie football game.  We specifically bought tickets that would put us sitting across from the Aggie band and near the tunnel that the football players (and drumline) come out of.  Caleb was apprehensive about going to the game at first so we brought ear protection with us in case it was too loud.  By the time we were loaded up in the car and headed to campus he was talking 100 mph about exactly what the band and football players were going to do.  He was pumped! 

We were able to make it to campus in time to watch the Corp of Cadets march in,  including the band.  Caleb loved watching them and also had a front row view of Reveille as she walked by.  After march in we headed into Kyle Field, got some food and found our seats.  Caleb really enjoyed the game.  He did his best to sing along when we all sang the Spirit of Aggieland, and he loved trying to do the yells and clapping when everyone else clapped!  

Since the Aggies were scoring so much and the game was televised, the first half was a little longer than we expected.  It was nearly 8:30 before halftime started if I remember right.  Caleb loved seeing the band line up and perform on Kyle Field.  He noticed the drum majors, the buglers, and the tuba players.  He pointed out specific formations they were doing and enjoyed watching them on the Jumbo Tron.   I think he was more excited to see the band than anything else!

After halftime we asked Caleb if he wanted to stay or go and he was ready to leave.  He was so obedient, calm and fun the whole time -- we fully expected him to be overwhelmed, tired, hungry, and to have at least one meltdown!  He did fantastic and even managed to walk the whole way back to the historic district where we had parked.  Caleb tried to stay awake and talk but by the time we got on Texas Avenue he was asleep in the back seat, and stayed that way all the way into the house and while we put his pajamas on.  

It was such a thrill to share Texas A&M with Caleb and to see him love it as much as we do.  We look forward to the day when we can take Joshua to his first game and hope that he will be equally brainwashed!

Walking to Kyle Field with Daddy & Daddy Bob

Reveille 

One of the Corps outfits marching in 

Watching march in on Daddy's shoulders

Couldn't take his eyes off the Corp of Cadets!

His first view of Kyle Field

Enjoying our seats before the game started

The drum line & football team entering Kyle Field

It was Senior Day so each senior player entered with fireworks

Watching the game with Daddy

The Aggie Band lining up for halftime

Watching the band perform

"The Pulse of the Spirit of Aggieland"