Christmas in Dallas

Christmas Eve was spent playing around the house, cleaning and preparing for the next day. That evening we went to our Christmas Eve service with Daddy, Mother, Ben & Anna and then home for Santa preparations.





Christmas Day was another special one as my entire family was in town - all four siblings, their spouses and our kids. We woke up early with our kids at home (6:40) as they just couldn't wait to see what Santa had brought. They ran right past their presents from Santa to the eaten cookies, empty chocolate milk mug and messy ashes on the fireplace. They were so excited to see evidence of Santa and that he had actually been here! Then they turned and found a new guitar for Doster and a pair of much-wanted cowboy boots for Caroline! They had fun with their stockings and then we did our family gifts. It was a really special time this year as it was our first time to enjoy both kids really "getting" the idea of Christmas morning. It took us over an hour and a half to open our few gifts as we spent time playing with and trying on each fun item.

After our time at home we went to my parent's and enjoyed a leisurely morning of gifts and breakfast followed by a wonderful ham dinner. Everyone then headed outside to watch Caroline try out her new roller skates and then we all came to our house for appetizers that evening. We were all tired so retired early and then on the 26th the guys all went fly fishing while the girls talked, played games and enjoyed a relaxing day together.

It was such a special Christmas, enjoyed by all, and our kids loved every minute playing with their aunts and uncles, grandparents and cousin. Such a fun week we had!

The new slippers that, as Caroline said, an elf spent a lot of time cross stitching.

Doster's new guitar and Superman costume.

Daddy's stocking gift - a new fishing vest!

Waiting to open their gift from Great - Grandma and Aunt Luanne.

I was so relieved that Caroline LOVED her rollers kates and was so excited to try them. I thought maybe she would be afraid of trying them out but she really loved them!

My new reindeer, candy cane and jingle bell earrings from Caroline.

Jason's new pajama pants from Caroline.

Giving Daddy a hug after opening his present from Doster.

Uncle Charlie showing Doster how to shoot his new play shotgun. He was so safety conscious - not pointing it at any people.

Caroline's new slipper boots that haven't come off her feet since.

Uncle Ben showing Doster how to build a log cabin.

Uncle Charlie helping Caroline learn how to roller skate.