Fun with cousins

Literally, the day that Ron and Becky left back to ABQ, we changed our guest room sheets, cleaned and prepared for an overnight visit from Eric's cousin. Phillip, his wife Elissa and their son, Parker.  The Bodecker's are stationed in Oklahoma, but are originally from Houston so we have enjoyed their stops in Dallas when they have traveled back and forth. 

We always have such a great time together and this was no exception. Even though the grown ups always have fun together, it is a whole different level of fun to see the kids play together!

Bath time! I don't think Parker realized how much my kids splash.

Moving the kitchen across the living room as a team.

Christmas

After a long break, I am finally trying to catch up.  I didn't realize how time consuming working on the campaign side was.  I also didn't realize how keeping the blog forced me to take pictures of the kids in an effort to capture our family moments.  So here are a few shots from around Christmas!

Ron and Becky made the drive from ABQ with Moses in tow. They stayed for almost a week and we loved every minute of it!  We sent to see the Christmas lights in Deerfield, celebrated my birthday with Thai food and a carrot cake made from my Nana's recipe by my dear husband.  We also had several trips to the park, a few long walks, and we discovered the joy of cinnamon ice cream with steel cut oats (thanks to Sweet Firefly).  We watched movies, ate, drank and enjoyed each other's company.

Liam decorating the Christmas tree while drinking mulled apple cider and watching Christmas movies.

Grandma and Grandpa reading a bedtime story to Liam.

Prior to candle light Christmas Eve services at our Church.  Ansley's dress was a gift from Aunt Jolyn when she was born and she was big enough to wear it to the service!

Home is where the heart is.

After our New Mexican Christmas Eve feast complete with tamales and spanish rice, Liam and Daddy prepared for Santa's arrival.

Carrots for the reindeers and cookies and milk for Santa.

Santa arrives!

Cookies, carrots and milk gone.  Santa forgot his Diet Coke with Lime and Kindle though.

Christmas stockings filled with loot.

"What of it? Don't talk to me until I have had my morning milk."

Bow and arrow from Santa.  Stephanie would be proud.

Vintage Julia Childs cookbook from Becky.  Love it!

Cuddling with Grandpa

Shooting instructions

Becky has this super crazy ability to guess what everyone is going to receive just by looking at and feeling a package.  Her predictions had a 90% success rate.

Santa brought Eric a book he has wanted ever since his time in the architecture program.

Ansley LOVED the Disney Princess Little People castle that Grandma and Grandpa gave her.

Mid-morning workout before we consumed yet more calories.

Ansley's turn!

We love our advent calendar which was a gift from Noni and Papa a few years back.  This was the first year Liam enjoyed putting the characters up.

And one of the best parts of Christmas morning?  The unexpected white Christmas!

Completed snowman. 

Warming up inside.

Time for Grandma and Grandpa to go.  Ansley tried to stow away, but somehow her presence was discovered.  What a great year for building memories!