Christmas Eve

It's our tradition to go to Grammie and Papa's house for Christmas Eve. Grammie Best always has a ton of snacks and Papa always has a full liquor cabinet! We also have a huge dinner.

Ready to head to Grammie and Papa's house

Porter and cousin Scotti



Porter found HIS stocking





Abigail and her stocking

Abigail and Porter opening presents

TS3







Porter hanging his stocking back up in the mantle





Christmas jammies from Grammie Sondra and Papa Roy

Yeah! for Christmas

Princess and the Frog

Papa opening his gifts

Grammie Sondra and Papa Roy

Porter Pie and Grammie Joyce

Grammie with both kids

Papa with both kids

Tracking Santa Claus

Reading Christmas stories
He's on his way!

Lauren and Sal's wedding

Carey and Sal have been friends since they played together in the band Yellow Belly SAB Suckers. It's always fun when you get to see your friends get married.


Lauren and her father. I only got pics of Lauren. It's all about the bride on wedding day.


These are our good friends Faith and Ben. Ben and Carey played in the band Warborn.

This is Raymond, Ben's brother. Raymond also played in Warborn. Yes, everyone is either in a band, married to someone in or was in a band, or knows someone who is in a band here in Austin.

Lauren and Sal had a photo booth set up for their wedding. It was hilarious to look at all the pics.

Who you callin' turkey?

Helping me with Christmas cards

The kids are starting to understand about how mail works. We check the mail once or twice a week and they get to help me sort it out. Most of it goes in the trash, but sometimes there are surprises such as our National Geographic Kids magazine or an American Girl catalog. But this year we have been receiving lots of wonderful Christmas cards from around the country. We learned what a stamp is and looked at all the states the cards came in from. After opening them , we hung them up on the wall.




On their tippy toes placing the Christmas cards in the outgoing mail. They are a real help at the Post Office.

Abigail and Porter's First Christmas Program

The kids have worked really hard learning their Christmas Carols. Carey has sang with them every night at bedtime. I'm sure their music teacher Mrs. Andrea appreciates this! Everyone did so well.

Walking up on stage

All lined up and ready to go

Joy to the World, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Jingle Bell Rock

I could tell Porter was so proud of himself!

Poor Miss Abigail's allergies were just killing her, but she gave it all she had.





Afterward we got to visit their classroom and see them decorate their Christmas trees. Mrs. Jennifer gave them green frosting to frost a sugar cone.

Look at that form

Mom with her little elves

We are so proud of you Abigail and Porter!

Visit with Santa Claus

This is the year the kids have no fear of Santa. They want to sit on his lap and tell him what they want. They sing songs about Santa. Abigail tells us that if we are not good Santa Claus will not come to our house. We color and paint Santa. They absolutely love him.


Up the trail to Santa's Workshop

We met up with Scott and Nancy and their boys Colin and Connor

The waiting was almost unbearable

Telling Santa what they want for Christmas. Little did I know that Santa was our neighbor Don. Since he knows Abigail and Porter and has been around them many times, it made it that much more special. Don said it was on his Bucket List to play Santa Claus. Mark that one off Don!

Abigail's List
Barbie Wedding dress
Barbie guitar
Barbie Scooter
Porter's List
Batman Scooter
Batman car
Bat Cave

They climbed on his lap without our prompting. Got right up there and looked so proud of themselves.

We have endured visits that didn't go so well (2008)

Then we did some crafts and had hot chocolate, took a hay ride complete with Christmas Carols and ate cookies.

Lighting of the Square and scooters

Georgetown had their lighting of the square. We met Grammie Sondra, Papa Roy, Grammie Joyce and Papa Mike up there.

Bubby and Dad

The carolers invited all the kids to come up and stand on the steps of the square and sing Christmas Carols. Of course Abigail was the first to head towards the steps. She made her way up three steps and snuggled in among the others like she had done this before.









Some of the boys played around for a bit after the singing. Buddy made his way up there and started making friends. Then we all went out to eat at Monument Cafe in Georgetown.


and Porter and Abigail got Scooter early from Santa. Santa made a stop in Georgetown before making it down to Austin.



He also brought a huge hay hauler

and a Texas Cowgirl complete with belt buckle, boots and hat.

Someone is happy

Papa and Grammie with the grandkids

Then it was time to ride



Then we waited for the deer



Thanks Grammie and Papa!

Pastor Abigail

After church I noticed Abigail had stacked up some boxes.


I paid it no real attention until I saw this.


Absolutely melted my heart.