Happy New Year!

Trail of Lights in Round Rock

After a couple failed or aborted attempts, we finally made it to the Round Rock Trail of Lights on the last night! I am glad I didn't wait 2 hours to see it! It was nice that there were only about 5 cars going through it with us, so we could all go at our own pace, but it was not too spectacular. There were a lot of lit up designs and scenes, but nothing the kids and I were in awe over - except the tunnel at the end.

The Texas portion with the oil rigs 

Some of the lights over the main road

The tunnel at the end where the lights turned on and off in patterns and it looked like you were driving into the twilight zone. This was the only great part of this Trail of Lights!

some other family pictures

A few more pictures from the last week with family -- 

family pictures

One of my goals for this Christmas gathering was to get pictures of the family together. We rarely have everyone in one place, so I really wanted to take the opportunity to get some pictures. Everyone complied with the photo session and we got some memorable shots... 

Merry Christmas from the 4 of us...and our tree

I had to get a few pictures of us and our 14 foot tree... I don't think we'll ever have a tree this big again. It was beautiful, but also tough to decorate and took up a lot of room! 

playing cars with dad

Jason, Lauren and Colson can play with the racetrack for hours... they all love the new toy from Santa! 

hop scotch

Lauren couldn't wait to play with one of her new toys from Grandma! As soon as she was feeling better she was showing us all how to play hop scotch! 

love this!

Christmas at the ER

Lauren and I weren't feeling great on Christmas Eve, but by Christmas morning we were really sick... by Christmas afternoon our fevers weren't coming down, our coughs were getting worse and I felt like I was dying...so instead of being miserable a home I decided to be miserable at the ER... 

we ended up getting Tamiflu for both of us. Lauren had the flu and I had the flu, a double ear infection and was still battling a painful UTI. 

Merry Christmas....

the new car

My Dad and Susie gave the kids a 2 seater power wheel for Christmas. To say it was a great gift is an understatement... 

 The kids both love to ride in it and drive it... and cry when it is time to come in... 

we had to use a pillow to help the kids reach the pedals, but it won't be long before they won't need it!

Thanks dad and Susie!! 

Santa came!

The kids were up early this morning and at 6:40 am Lauren ran into our room to tell us Santa had come.

 It was hard for Colson to keep looking in his stocking once he found something edible. 

The Tic Tacs were a huge distraction... 

opening presents - and they both knew exactly what to do! 

Lauren with her beloved Dreamlight!

Wait! Santa left a present in the front room... let's go see what it is! 

Bucky!

a racetrack! 

Colson with his Car pillow from Dad and Susie

The kids were spoiled and got more than they asked for or needed. We are so blessed to have such generous friends and family - and a Santa who pays attention...!