The first part of November was a lot of the same... playing indoors; taking walks through the neighborhood & play dates w/ friends.
Best friend, Homer, is always near by |
And, of course, it wouldn't be a TRUE holiday without a little drama & tears:
Once back in San Antonio, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we went to a small town named Comfort for their annual "Christmas in Comfort". Grandy joined us & it was a terrific day! We snacked on things like funnel cake & chocolate chip cookies. Jett & Delilah got to chat w/ Santa & even dance w/ some of Santa's elves.
But, even more fun than Santa himself, was the petting zoo!!! The kiddos had a ball feeding all of the animals.
"Wait! What?! THAT'S BACON?" |
This year was the first year that Jett & Delilah helped w/ decorating the tree. (Or, UN-decorating the tree!:) But, the finished product was awesome & we even managed to make some great memories.
At some point during the month of December we decided it was due time for Jett & Lilah to have their own bathroom. So, with some new paint & shower curtain & a few added extras they loved their "big-kid bathroom".
Waiting on Daddy to come home |
On December 5th, Rich & Jett took a trip East to visit family in Braintree, Boston. Seeing as how it was my 1st time to be away from Jett for that long of a time & he was traveling by plane... I was a complete basket case! But, the boys had a wonderful trip & Delilah & I truly enjoyed our time together. We all did some wonderful things during that week.
Before they left I became concerned about Jett's reaction to being on an airplane & more so, about the tolerance from others. So, as suggested by a friend, I made up little bags of candy with a note inside... a little bribery for patience:
Rich & Jett visited w/ lots of friends & family; went to the beach; went to church & Jett even got to witness his very first snowfall. Thank you Aunt Kathy, Frank, Great-Granny & Nikki for you hospitality.
While the boys were away Delilah & I kept ourselves busy. We had brunch w/ friends; Delilah got to see her very first movie (w/ friend Owen); we played; Grandy took us to see the Nutcracker at the Majestic theater; drove through the live Nativity scene @ Concordia Church & had a few breakfasts in bed.
While I was certain that they missed each other, (they had never been apart for the night other than Jett's 1 night stay in the hospital after his tonsillectomy) I didn't realize just how much until we got home from the airport. They hugged so tight it brought tears to MY eyes.
I did my best to keep Jett & Delilah busy w/ fun Christmas crafts. Here are a few that we attempted:
Delilah even helped me make the Christmas cookies this year. She did a fabulous job!
On Dec 14th the twins attended a b-day party for their friend Kirsten Wilson. She turned 2 yrs old & had a rodeo party. We all had a wonderful time. They got to take their first ride on a pony (that had a pink mane, no less) & had their faces painted.
Another tradition that we never pass up is driving to Johnson City to see the magnificent Christmas light display. This year, The Strottner's & The Clark's joined us... It was a fabulous evening.
Rich & I managed to sneak out on a couple of occasions in December. We went to the Station 51 Christmas party as well as the Walker's Christmas party & had a wonderful time at both. It's always nice to have a "date-night" w/ my handsome hubby!
Just to clarify a few details ("explanations" is probably more like it) we took Jett & Delilah to see Santa a 2nd time, at Bass Pro Shop. In addition to sitting on the ol' guys lap, we got to see the fish, ride the merry-go-round & of course, play in the boats.
We had another "first" in the month of December this year... We all decorated a gingerbread house as a family. Which, if y'all really KNOW me... was a little tough for me. My OCD kicked into high gear just as the twins were putting 2 green gun drops right next to each other. :)
One evening, after dinner, we decided it would be nice to load up in the truck & go see some Christmas lights at a nearby neighborhood. So, with the kids in their jammies; hot chocolate in hand; & Christmas carols on the radio we headed out. They were in total awe. And, we enjoyed listening to their exclamations coming from the back seat.
Christmas Eve was casual & low key. We started the day w/ some green, Christmas tree pancakes. The kids scarfed them down! We took a walk around the neighborhood to see all of the beautiful lights. Grandy came over & we let them open 1 gift each. We snuggled by the fire & played. Later in the evening Clarence, Milagros, Brisa, Toby De La Rosa, & the Walker family all came over to visit & snack. It was such a nice evening.
Christmas morning & day were filled with TONS of excitement & laughter!!! Grandy came over bright & early & we all ran downstairs to see what Santa had left. Jett & Delilah had a blast seeing all of their new toys & opening their presents. (I had to join in on the fun & took one of the plasma cars out for a little spin around the kitchen:)
After nap time, Uncle Clarence, Aunt Milagros, cousin Brisa, cousin Cody & cousin Tucker all came over for dinner & to play. It was so nice to spend time with our family.
We rang in the new year of 2014 in Galveston, visiting Grandaddy. Despite the weather it was a great trip. We went out for a New Year's Eve dinner & enjoyed a yummy (much needed margarita). Then, afterwards, we let the Twins try their hands at sparklers. They weren't afraid at all.
As we close out 2013 & start fresh in 2014 I'd like to say "Thank you"! Thank you to all of our friends & family for your unwavering love & support. Whether it's sitting for our children so that Rich & I can have a much needed night out; or calling to say "hi"; texts to check in; or even just hit the "like" button on one of our 3 trillion pictures of Jett & Delilah. We appreciate it ALL!!! And, we love you!