We met at Baylor our freshman year but didn't become friends until right before our Junior year and have been together ever since. We got engaged in Jamaica in March 2001 and married in June 2002. We spent the first six years in The Woodlands and had both of our girls there, bought our first two homes, and made it home. Then we spent the next 9 months in Beaumont (we got out of there as fast as we could). In August of 2008 we moved to Austin and have made it home. Bought our fourth home (and hopefully our last for a long while) and have loved it since we got here.
Back in the car!!! This time we are headed to Santa's Wonderland in good old College Station!
This place has lights in very crack and crevice on every tree, building, walk ways, etc. It was spectacular looking!
We had heard that it could get alittle crazy crowded so we got them right when it opened. The line to get in was long but once you got through the gate it never seemed crowded.
Our first stop was the hayride through the lights.
K, Brayden, Taylor, Gralyn, and Ainsley
They had lots of Texas and American displays
This was one of my favorites, the castle was made completely out of lights and sat behind a pond which reflected beautifully.
The place is set up like an old town. Lots of different building, each one with something to do or see.
Yeah, so this happened! Everyone (but Ryan-his back) rode the mechanical bull!
Ann
Kendall
Gralyn
Brayden
Taylor
Ainsley
Ryan and his Polar Bear friend
This was the "food court" area. They had several different place to get food, funnel cakes, etc
Singing and dancing
Tubing hill! Which was actually quite fun and fast!
Ticket to ride the train!
Group pic!
We missed Santa, the snow, and a few other attractions but it was a great and I think and hope everyone had fun!
The girls and I started it off with some fun masks!
Kendall and I went to the Domain to get our hair done. Washing, blow drying, and fixing my hair should and could be an Olympic Event, seriously! It is an event that takes lots of time and poor Kendall inherited my hair plus some, lots and lots of it and lots of body!
Meanwhile, Taylor was at Friendsgiving! Of her the moms was so sweet to host the girls. They coordinated the entire thing, who was bring what, what time, where, etc.
Love these girls and their sweet friendships!
Family picture time!!!
I only have a few from the photography (I will add more to this post later) the rest are some that I snapped.
These two wanted to get some good pics together
After pics Kendall and Brayden did a quick change, swung by and picked up Sophie and headed to Hula Hut for some dinner (and drinks for Ryan and I). Then we walked over to Mozart's for the Christmas light show.
Hot chocolate, cookies, and proposing with light up rings happened
The kids were not as impressed or entertained by the show at all. I thought it was great, needless to say we didn't stay very long. It was fun while it lasted.
Tuesday, the girls and I took a road trip to San Antonio.
First stop was Grams and John's house for a visit. We only stayed a few hours but it was nice to lay around, have lunch, and just catch up.
Then we headed to Boerne to see Nanaw and Popeye. Bonus surprise was Jennifer and the girls decided to make a last minute trip in as well.
The girls making Thanksgiving cards for the friends at the nursing home.
Downtown Boerne was already decorated for Christmas plus they have the cutest shops on Main Street so we went to play.
Nanaw and her greats!
I love that the girls love it here. There is so much space for them to roam and explore plus it is peaceful and quiet. Nanaw made a fabulous dinner as usually including mac and cheese for the girls (I may or may not have had two servings of it as well, I just can't help it it is so dang good). We watched all the deer for a while before packing up and heading home.
Wednesday, Taylor and I baked 5 pumpkin pies for Operation Turkey and 1 chocolate chip pie for ourselves! I had never made pumpkin pies but I was surprised at how easy they are. Now for how they tasted? I have no idea!
Kendall spent the day at The Buchanans' ranch riding ATVs, learning to shot a 22, and having fun.
She was proud that she hit the target!!
I took Taylor and a bunch of girls to the rollerskating ring to meet some friends. Of course, everyone was hungry after so Whataburger it was.
Thanksgiving Day!
We watched the parade, made some sides and laid around for a bit before heading over to Mimi & Poppys for lunch/dinner. Neal, Carina, and Izzy were in town so we were excited to spend some time with them.
K & T with Izzy!
Mimi & Poppy
We tried to set the phone on a flower pot to get a family picture but it didn't work out so well.
Big man in a little apron!
Ryan and Poppy craving the turkey.
After eating Izzy, the girls, and I went for a walk!
