Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve we headed to Stephenville to Greg's brothers house.

We had a wonderful time catching up with everyone. The kids were spoiled with gifts. Caleb and Lex enjoyed playing with their cousins. They eventually took a break to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and enjoy cake in His honor. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve feast before heading to Church to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Then we headed home and put the kids to bed so we could help Santa put out all the gifts.

Caleb decided Santa would like donuts instead of cookies so we set out a plate of donuts and milk by the fireplace. In the middle of the night while we were still "helping" Santa put the kitchen together, Lex woke up and would not go back to sleep.

So she got to try out the toys first, and really enjoyed her new kitchen. The next morning the kids actually slept until 8 a.m., thank goodness. Caleb ran into the living room once we gave the ok and tore into the presents.

Lexie got to see the rest of her surprises Christmas morning too.

When I asked if he liked his kitchen and other toys from Santa, Caleb said "yes, I already know I got these. It was on my list to Santa." I did get to actually surprise him with some of the gifts not on Santa's list at least.

We enjoyed playing with all our new "toys".Even Greg and I got a few surprises. Greg got me my elliptical machine I've been wanting, though left me a mean note if I peaked.

He got his hunting supplies.

Later we headed to Grandma Teri's for more presents and fun.Caleb and Lexie enjoyed the hide and seek bunny they got from Grandma Teri.

Aunt Sammie was there for hugs and kisses too.

Lexie helped herself to a yummy candy cane.

We had a very Merry Christmas! I'm sad the holiday season is over.

Great Wolf Lodge/ICE

We had the week before Christmas off, so decided to have some fun. Gigi and Papa met us at the Great Wolf Lodge for a couple of those days.

The kids really enjoyed their "wolf's den" with their own window and section of the room. Lexie was just getting over another ear infection, so Gigi and Papa kept her in the toddler pool to have a more controlled swimming environment.She took a little while to get used to the idea of splashing in such a "big tub". But after a few minutes, she was splashing away.Daddy took Caleb through the fort and down the kids slide several times. I'm not sure who was having more fun, Caleb or Daddy. Then Gigi and Papa watched the kids while Greg and I went up several stories to the big slides. It was super scary but loads of fun. I even convinced Gigi to go on another big slide with me before the day was done. Then my parents went with Caleb and I to "float the river" on the inner tubes. Caleb kept trying to duck under the water falls, so Papa and I were taking turns trying to keep Caleb in the inner tube. It was hilarious. Finally we had done all the swimming we could do and headed up for dry clothes and dinner. At dinner we were crowned with wolf ears that Caleb seemed to really enjoy. It was interesting seeing everyone walking around with wolf ears on. Gigi and I were not to be outdone though! After dinner, we headed to the lobby for story time. There the kids got to meet and take a picture with Rudolph's brother whom the bedtime story was going to be about.Gigi and Papa found good seats before it got crowded; we settled in with hot chocolate by the fire. Caleb made it for story time, but poor Lex was exhausted and passed out.It was a cozy setting and the decorations were beautiful.It even "snowed" during story time which the kids really loved.

The next day we set out for the Gaylord Texan to see the ICE.We always love to see all the decorations they have there at Christmas time.Caleb met a very "tall" soldier and really enjoyed watching the train roam through the rocks. We stopped to take lots of pictures of all the beautiful decorations and scenes set up. Then we headed off to the ICE and SNOW.

The SNOW was a new event. It was where you could ride on a tube down a man made ice hill. Caleb went at least 20 times down the bunny slopes and was a pro by the end of the day. Greg and I went down the big slopes a few times, and it was awesome. Then Gigi and Papa went with Caleb and I to wait in the horrifically long line to see the ICE.

The theme this year was Charlie Brown's Christmas. Though it was really neat, I will not wait that long in a line with a 4y old every again! Once we made it inside we did really enjoy the beautiful art work.It was amazing what they can make out of ice.

My poor parents, I don't know if they realized where I had them pose!! Hehe!

Gigi took Caleb down the ice slide which was greatness!

Way to go Gigi! While heading out of the exhibit, we witnessed several other magnificient ice sculptures. But we were really cold, so tried to look at everything very quickly.Then we finally came to the end of the ICE and two wonderful days with family.