It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's possible we go a little overboard on Christmas.  But I can't help it.  Watching everything through the kids' eyes, makes me relive my own childhood Christmas magic.  And it's so easy when we live so close to so many great Christmas activities for the kids!

Our very first Christmas adventure this year was to take the kids to ICE at the Gaylord Texan.  Although Barrett has been before, it's been a couple of years.  And it was a totally new experience for the twins!

Lots of Waiting

And Waiting

And Coats that Didn't Fit

But We Finally Made it to the Exhibit

Mommy, You Coming?

"Hold You Me"

Shocker ... But how can anyone resist that face?

Not So Sure What To Think About the Cold

Maybe Daddy Can Keep Me Warm

Family Pic!

Y'all!  EVERYBODY is looking at the camera!  And nobody is crying.  I'll take it!

After we left the ice behind us, the kids ran around and looked at EVERYTHING the lobby at the hotel has to offer.

 

Real Glad That Sign Made the Picture :)

Next up ... the best tree lighting in the metroplex! We love kicking of the Christmas season with this little tradition, and we love that we have friends that come with us each year.  And help save seats ;)

Santa Literally Appeared Out of a Puff of Smoke!

It's Snowing!!!!!!

Awkward Family Photo

While we were at Gamma and Poppy's, we visited some more Christmas lights in the park.  I remember seeing lights in this same park as a kid, so it makes me all nostalgic and emotional.

Love This Little Elf

And This Excited Little Elf

And These Two Santa's Helpers

Maybe Too Much Christmas Fun?

We are just getting started littles!!!

Aunt Lindsey has a photographer friend who just so happens to know Santa Claus!  When we heard he was going to be in town, we jumped on the chance to get our pictures taken with the big man.  Barrett and Parker LOOOOOOOVED him.  Payton had her own opinions.

Magical. Moment.

I wish I had captured the moment when Santa asked Barrett if he wanted to wear his hat.  His little eyes lit up like nothing I've ever seen before!  When the hat fell down over his eyes, he said,"Hey!  Somebody turned out the lights!"  Clearly he was right at home with Santa.

Sweetheart.  Mommy Loves You Too.

Telling Santa She Wants a Baby Doll for Christmas

And I was proud of her!  Even though she was SO terrified of Santa, she still really wanted to tell him what she wanted for Christmas. (As long as Mommy was holding on to her tight!)

Thanksgiving 2016

We spent Thanksgiving at Gamma and Poppy's House this year!  We were able to spend almost a whole week there ... which meant LOTS of time with our cousins.

But First!  A Road Trip Pit Stop with Mommy's Friend!

Poppy Reminding Everyone To Stay Out of the Street

Playing a Game of "Attack Daddy/Uncle Matt"

 Girl Cousins

I love these girls

Those Two On the Right Are Up To No Good

Working on Her Swing

Color Time With Cousins

Showing Aunt Lindsey Some Love

Where's Barrett????

Helping Prepare Our Thanksgiving Food

This sweet boy helped Gamma and Poppy prepare EVERYTHING we ate ... including the marinade for the Turkey.  He always likes to know how things work and how they are done, including the ingredients we use to make our food.  I love the way his mind works.

"It's Thanksgiving Charlie Brown" With My Snuggler

 Turkey Day Finally Came!  And all the kids were very excited. Mainly because they picked up on me telling them they could eat whatever they wanted very early in the day.  :)

It's Turkey Time!

Family Thanksgiving Picture

Cutest Little Turkeys I Know

After we ate, and make a quick wardrobe change, we were off to explore Aggieland!

Showing Her Lovey All the Important Things

Watching the Band with Gamma

My Favorite Little Aggie Dude

Sweetness

Sisters

And then it was game time!  Only the adults went to the game, and it was so good to spend a little time with my brother and sister without any distractions.

Grown Up Sisters

Convincing Mr. Attitude to Take a Picture With Us

He Did :)

And So Did This Guy :)

To officially welcome in the Christmas season, we visited Santa for some pictures.  I'm pretty sure we've scarred Payton for life.  She started crying about having to go to school BEFORE we even left the house this week.  But the other two LOVED every minute of it!

Totally Fine ... As Long as She Has Mommy

Wearing Santa's Hat

I wish I had captured his expression when Santa took off his hat and asked Barrett if he wanted to wear it.  Little man couldn't BELIEVE he was going to get to wear that hat!

Almost a Precious Moment!

I love it though.  Captures each of their personalities.  These are just the pics we took with our phones.  The real pictures are ADORABLE.  More on that later!