Christmas Day

We weren't sure how Grayson was going to react to Christmas morning, gift opening, over stimulation, etc.  She really seemed to take it all in stride, giving each new present just enough attention to where they seemed appreciated but allowing us to move on to the next gift in a reasonable time frame.   We tried to keep Christmas "smallish".....we did a good job of it for Steve and I, for Grayson, it became out of our hands as gifts seemed to arrive, almost daily, by mail from friends and family far away!  It was a great morning of opening gifts and a nice breakfast, then we got in a nap time before heading over to our good friends' house to spend the afternoon and eat supper.  The biggest treat of the day was the inch or two of snow that fell!   What a rarity to have a white Christmas in Texas!  Enjoy the pics!

Christmas Eve

This year we spent our first Christmas in Texas!  We wanted to make sure Santa knew where to find us, and boy oh boy, did he ever find us!   We enjoyed a lazy Christmas Eve "day" with staying in our pajamas all morning and baking and decorating some last minute cookies for Santa.   We went to the 4pm children's mass and Grayson really did great considering we had to get there 45 minutes early to get a seat!   We had a delicious, quite dinner at home afterwards.    Here are some pictures:

Off to church -- I used my delay on my camera!

 

December Fun

We had lots of fun outings in December to help us all get in the Christmas spirit.   Grayson had a party at school, we went to ride the North Pole Express train, we went to a Christmas party at the club, it seemed like we had something different every weekend!  

 School party

 Club Party

 North Pole Express

Santa: Ho-Ho-Nooooo

We tried seeing Santa three times this holiday season with varying degrees of success ranging from melt-down, to hysterical to finally, wising up and giving me the death grip so I couldn't get her near his lap.   The funny thing is, Grayson was quite enamored with Mr. Clause as a storybook character and figurine throughout our holiday decor.  Grandma Kathy taught her, "Ho-Ho-Ho" which she delighted friends and strangers alike with.   The most important thing though is that we got some GOOD pictures.   Enjoy....we sure did!

Santa- Take 1

 Santa - Take 2

 Mom felt bad for the guy, so she posed for a friendly pic!

Santa - Take 3....."I don't care what you bribe me with, I am not sitting on your lap!"

This guy was more her speed!!  Can I get a Ho-Ho!?

Thanksgiving

Unfortunately, I don't have very many Thanksgiving pictures to share.  We had a great holiday, I promise!   Grandma Kathy, Pops and Aunt Kristen came for a visit.  We were so thankful that they chose to spend Thanksgiving with us in Texas.   We did the Turkey Trot, roasted a VERY large turkey and enjoyed the unseasonably warm Texas temps.   I would post some pictures of all of the fun if I had some!!  Here are a few of Grayson in a few of her Thanksgiving outfits.  Once again this year, we are all MOST thankful for her!  

The Year of the Duck

I vaguely remember a time when Halloween was just one night.  However, I have learned that with a busy toddler, Halloween is a week-long celebration with numerous events and occasions to go out in costume.  We had SO much fun seeing Halloween through Grayson's eyes this year.  Here are some of the highlights.

First a school party:

Then a Boo at the Zoo:

Our friends, the Vaughan's, joined us

The Brannon's did too

G's first bounce house -- she actually loved it

Finally, Halloween day!

Photo opp with our neighbors, the Bensons

Fueling up for trick or treating with Olly

Minnie Mouse and the Duck

All in, let's go!

This is how we roll.....

Trick or Treat!!