LET THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES BEGIN!!!!

We began our Christmas festivities in Houston celebrating with Jack's family. We go to the Children's mass at church, come home and enjoy a nice meal, and then finally get into the gifts. Because 4:00 is a popular time for church we have to leave an hour early to get there. For the most part Maggie did a great job sitting for over 2 and a half hours. I was amazed at how well she did. Yes, we did have to leave a few times, but overall she did great. It was fun having her be around all of her cousins. Everyone looked so cute. Caroline and Kate had pretty matching outfits, and Max looked sharp.

We ate a yummy spaghetti supper and then it was time. Yes, time to hit the gifts. Jack's family did an amazing job getting gifts for Maggie. Everything really fits her well. She got lots of blocks, a sand and water table, a baby doll and a tub of Lego's. I know she is so excited to play with everything! Overall, we had a great visit. Maggie was asleep for the end of the night visit, but it was so fun watching everyone enjoy all of their gifts. We had such a great time.

Here is Nana getting ready to open her IPOD Touch! She was really excited about it!


Here is Jack, Maggie and I enjoying our 2nd Christmas together!


We woke up early Christmas morning ready to drive back to Dallas. We ended up staying a little longer in Houston not sure of the road situation. It never snowed or iced in Houston, so we were not sure what we would drive home into. We ate our breakfast and finally said our good byes. We made our way home with very little traffic and no ice at all. Had we not gotten home to see snow at our house and ice in our driveway I wouldn't have believed the weather reports! It was very pretty.

We headed out to round two of Christmas. We spent this part with my dad's side of the family. It was lots of fun, but Maggie was miserable. She hadn't pooped in over 48 hours, so her belly really hurt. We were on a mission to make her feel better. After a few hours we finally were starting to get somewhere. It has taken a few days after Christmas, but we are finally back to our normal self again.

So Christmas at my dads house consist of hanging out, opening kids gifts, a visit from Santa, eating lots of food, and a White Elephant gift exchange.

Here is a picture of all of the Cousins when Santa comes to visit. Take a look at the kid who is so unhappy! Yes, that is Maggie!!! She officially doesn't like Santa.


Here is our annual group shot. We have one from Jack's family as well, but I don't have that copy on my camera.


Here is a little picture of our White Elephant gift exchange. I made out with a signed copy of the Glee CD! I am so excited.



We didn't do "Santa" gifts for Maggie this year. With traveling it was to hard to put it all in the car and tote it with us. We did get her a phone, a purse, and a car! She is already growing up! She sounds as if she is 16 this year with her gifts! I will have to post pictures, but she already chats on the phone and won't get out of her car. It is so fun to watch. I just can't wait for future Christmas's when she really starts to understand what is happening.


On Saturday my mom came over and we continued to celebrate. We went and saw It's Complicated (best movie ever,) had lunch, and opened up more gifts. My mom did a great job in really getting gifts for Maggie. I just can't believe everything that she got.

Overall, Christmas was a success. We had lots of fun. I just can't wait to see my little over the next few years enjoy Christmas! I hope everyone had as much fun if not more than we did!

Merry Christmas!!!