Christmas 2011!

Sometimes I wonder why I have a camera. I have a small digital one in my purse and a big one that I usually take everywhere. I also have a video camera and the only one I seem to "remember" to use, is the one in my phone. One of my New Years resolutions will be to take more pictures, more videos (from something other than my iPhone) and to blog more. Even when I do take pictures, I get caught up in the moment and forget to take pictures with the most important people, our family! Maybe I'm more aware of this now that I'm thinking about just how much we will miss our families once we leave for Dallas...

Speaking of Dallas. The upcoming move to Dallas has the 4 of us a little off-kilter.  As if we each need a V8 drink or something? :) It's amazing how much we rely on routine.  Weekends are a free for all but Monday- Thursday, life is pretty predictable. Not lately. Joe is living in Dallas during the week, our house is on the market  and I'm pretty much a single, stay-at-home mom and working a couple of days a month (6 days in December and 7 in January to be exact). I think the one that's been affected the most so far, is Reid. Yesterday, he told me "Mommy, I want my Daddy to be sitting right here" and he walked over to the couch and pointed at it.  He cries for him several times a day. Cole isn't as vocal but I can tell he misses him. He told me "I wish Daddy was here so that I can wrestle with him." I miss Joe like crazy. As independent as I am, without him I still feel like a parasite that has lost it's host. ;-) Fortunately, he was home for 5 days over the holidays so Christmas felt EXTRA sweeter this year. 

Christmas Eve, we spent it at my parents house. As always, we had fun and didn't make it home until 1:30am! Christmas morning, we waited and waited (and waited) for Cole to wake up before we could all go see what Santa left behind. Not sure how we managed to keep Reid snuggled up in our bed until Cole woke up.  Christmas Day, we went to Tara's parents house in Montgomery and had a great time! The 4 cousins had a blast running in their enormous yard! The boys ended up with so many cool toys from Santa, grandparents, great grandparents and aunts and uncles! Thank you!!!!!! This year, we started a little tradition. We asked the boys to get 4 toys that they could put under the tree for Santa. Santa would then pick up the gifts and take them to 2 other little boys that aren't as fortunate. That way, these 2 little boys would have extra presents besides the ones that Santa brought them. My babies looked so cute as they wrapped their 4 toys. Although...they could take some wrapping lessons. :) Even though we always donate toys a couple of weeks before Christmas, I think we will continue to put a couple under the tree. 

I love Christmas, the time with family, the great food and yummy cocktails. ;-)

I hope everyone had just as perfect of a Christmas!!!!

Our itsy-bitsy-trunk-top-because-we-are-moving tree. 

Santa came to visit Reid's class at school. He was in awe the entire time but would not go sit on his lap.  Took him to the mall later that week and managed to get a picture only because I sat with Santa too. 

At Mama and Papi's house on Christmas eve.  Cole is always ready for the camera. Reid on the other hand, hides.

With Mama and Percy.

Meliiiissa.

My crazy sister and her insane gifts. That was just one of them.  Yes, Reid is wearing Power Ranger boxers that my Mama and Papi got him. 

Love my shoes Mamina! Te quiero mucho!

Opening gifts with Nana.

I love my Daddy.

Opening more gifts.

Tara's mom made the 4 boys black super hero capes. Each had their first name initial on the back. They loved them!

Matt and Will opening gifts.

With Uncle Bobs.

With Aunt Tara.

Cute picture of Granny and Papa John!

Elf Cole.

We wish everyone 2012 to be a year of health, happiness and love!

Big D!

I keep forgetting to post our news. By now, most of you know. We are moving to Dallas! We won't move until the end of January when my contract at work ends. Joe got promoted a couple of months ago and they decided to transfer us.  Talk about perfect timing with the end of my job! We are so very sad to be leaving the proximity to our family and friends but excited about the new adventure. The boys are already asking for jerseys and hats for all of the Dallas sports teams! Because of the move (almost everything is packed!), we are only doing a little bitty tree for the boys. I chose the colorful lights that they always ask for to make up for the size. :-) I'll post soon when we have more information on the house we are looking to buy.  I hope everyone has a wonderful week.  Only 13 days until Christmas!

Shadow

This is how the boys found Shadow this morning. With a lollipop and a Pixie Stick. The boys thought it was pretty funny. Thanks for the idea Amy! ;-)

Gobble. Gobble.

Happy Thanksgiving! I was off all week so it was great to spend the time with my babies. On Thanksgiving Day, we had a nice dinner at Mama and Papi's house. The boys begged us to let them wear "what Daddy wears to work". We let them, but then they asked my dad and my brother to do the same. Cole was SO excited to see them in their ties.  On Friday, we went to Pointe West in Galveston for 2 nights. Nana and Pops had rented a beach house for the week. It has become a fun tradition to do that every Thanksgiving. It's nice to get away and have a change of scenery, especially a beach. The boys had a ton of fun! I love watching how much fun the 4 cousins have when they are together.  Cole and Reid also went fishing with Joe and Pops for about 4 hours. Joe said they were awesome and they actually caught fish. The boys were so excited to tell me that they saw tons of dolphins swimming by the boat. Cole told me "they were so close that I could even see their eye!!!".

Up until a couple of years ago, I used to get a little stressed over the holidays. I think I got overwhelmed at all the going and doing, the shopping and craziness of the holidays. The past 2-3 years I haven't felt the least bit of stress. It's only been relaxing and fun and I hope it stays that way. It may have to do with the fact that the boys are getting so much easier and their schedules are actually flexible now.  

So, the countdown has begun; 27 days until Christmas Eve (when we begin our Christmas celebration). Shadow (our Elf on the Shelf) arrives from the North Pole tomorrow. His flight was a little delayed due to holiday travel... ;-) The boys are excited to see him for the 3rd year. 

Have a great week!

I posted this one on Facebook, but I had to post it on here for Mamina and anyone else that doesn't have a Facebook account!! :)

Too much food for Papi on Thanksgiving Day? His tie only lasted through dinner. :)

Daddy and Reid caught Flounder.

Joe caught a 21 inch Flounder and Reid caught one that was 16 inches.  He reeled it in all by himself, too! I wish we had a video of it! 

Proud. :)

The 4 cousins. I love this picture. 

Turtle Thursday

On my sister's boyfriends Harley.