Christmas/Birthday in Texas 2010

As our new tradition, the kids and I went to Texas for a week before Justin came. We stayed with my parents first and enjoyed lots of time with Papa John, Amma, Aunt Tanya, Madison, and Brooklynn. Unfortunately my brother was busy working most of the time, so we only got to see him twice. He did however win the best present award for Noah's birthday: "monster truck Mater," as Noah calls it. It is always a joy just hanging out at my folks house, since they have a tractor and four wheeler. We watched Madison play softball, had Brooklynn spend the night, and simply spent time just being "together." Of course, we did some outlet shopping and made a Target run, but the time was relaxing and so much fun.

The first few days the weather was a little chilly, so we made a fire and roasted smores with the cousins. Karis and Noah both rode tractor with Papa John.

Noah learning to drive the tractor!

Fun times hanging with the cousins

My parents threw Noah and Karis a birthday party that Saturday. My best friend growing up, Mandy, came and brought her two boys. It was a wonderful time of catching up and seeing our kids play together. Thanks for coming Mandy, I so loved seeing you girl! My two great aunts and Aunt Debbie also came to the party.

Karis, Henry(Mandy's oldest), and Noah


The kids opening their birthday gifts.

The kids being picked up by the "backhoe," as Noah called Papa John's tractor.

We picked Justin up from the airport on Wednesday the next week and headed to Orange to visit his family. We had four full days of fun and spending time with his family.

We did Christmas first on Thursday night along with his Mamou.

A night of fun and loving on the family, including Roxy (Pop Pop and Grammy's dog).

Family photo

Friday, we had family pictures taken by one of Courtney's friends. He did a fantastic job capturing the kids personalities.

Karis driving Pop Pop "old truck."

Smile for the camera!

Noah loving his Pop Pop

After pictures, we went to a pizza place for Noah's birthday party, because this was his actual birthday! (He had three parties this year!) Of course, Aunt Courtney made his party a Cars/ Monster truck theme!

Saturday, Mamou, Courtney, Justin, the kids and I went to Shangri La, a botanical garden and nature center in Orange. They had fun Christmas activities for the kids to do and the flowers are always beautiful to look at.

At Shangri La, Noah wasn't too sure about the owl staring at him!

Sunday was Grammy's birthday, at we all went to church together. Lisa, Grammy's daughter, made a surprise visit to her that morning. It was sweet and nice to see Lisa and for her surprising Grammy like that.

Another family photo: Lisa in toe this time!

Thanks to both families, our trip was fun, memorable, and we came home with two extra full suitcases! Christmas always comes early, and it seems like the kids opened gifts all of December. I am sure this is also because Noah's birthday is in December too! We love all of you and are thankful you are our family.