Southern Christmas

The day had finally come for us to head to Texas. After being postponed two days, we were all excited about our trip--not too excited about getting up at the crack of dawn, but it would be worth it once we arrived safely!
My dad and Granny picked us up from the airport and took us to Mike and Debbie's house. We should have had an ark as it was POURING the rain when we got there! It rained ALL day! That didn't stop our fun though! The kids opened their gifts, tormented Nola, danced with the snowman--it was good family fun! Aunt Lisa stopped by before and after work, Miss Carol dropped by with gifts for the girls, the boys went to a shooting range...fun was had by all! Unfortunately, we only stayed in Seabrook a few days, but made the best of our shortened trip!


Finally made it to Mike and Debbie's! Russ is ready for a DRINK!
Enjoying some milk from the confines of Granny's lap
Playing a tune on the piano and singing along
Eating some dinner on "pa-paaw's" lap.
Having a good time dancing with the snowman--Olivia wasn't too sure about him, but boy did she LOVE to dance (just not in close proximity!)
Posing for a picture in our matching jammies made by Debbie
***Check back for more pics from the second half of our visit***

Snowy Angels

The day after Christmas we bundled up the girls in their new snow outfits and headed outside to play. It was COLD, but that didn't stop us from having lots of fun!!!


Olivia was set and ready to go in the sled. Lexie wanted to help give her little sister a push--which made for a great photo op!
While daddy was pulling Olivia around the backyard on the sled, Lexie wanted to 'race down the slide' through the snow.
It was Lexie's turn for a sled ride....'wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee'!
"Again...again...this is so much fun!"
I decided I would give Russ a break from pulling the girls around and got in on the action. Who needs a dog to pull a sled?!?
Olivia wanted a turn down the slide.

Lexie's newest obsession is making snow angels! Unprompted, she threw herself back in the snow and started moving her arms and legs while shouting, "look mommy...I'm making you a snowy angel"!
She was so proud of her work then said it was 'my turn'...oh, why not!
After resting for a few minutes it was back to sledding...away we go!
Lexie was having so much fun! She loves the snow.
A quick kiss for Olivia before she takes another turn around the back yard.
"Hmmm...what does this stuff taste like?" (No, it wasn't yellow!)
Room for two? Not really, but we made it work!
Lexie wanted me to have a turn and decided she was going to pull me around the yard.
Love my little lovey!
Olivia takes a turn down the slide with help from daddy!
Everyone was starting to get cold so we decided to head inside to thaw out!
Back inside with rosy red cheeks and nose--the lens even fogged up on the camera...I guess it was cold too!
We had such a great time sledding--can't wait until we get more snow. We have since gotten a new "SUPER BIG SLED" (as Lexie calls it) from Mike, Debbie and the kids! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

A "Great" Lunch Date

We were so disappointed when we found out our holiday trip to Houston was going to be cut short. The winter weather that plagued the north east ended up affecting our travel plans. The airlines canceled our flight and re-booked us two days later. Booooo! On a brighter note, Barbara and Miss Erna's flights were delayed a day too--so at least they got to spend more time here while waiting out the delays!

We made the best of the situation and decided to give Great Grandma Erna's cousin a call. Stanley and his wife live close to downtown Pittsburgh--so we met them for lunch! It was great to get together with them--even if it was only for lunch!

Posing for a picture before we headed home
The girls jump in for one more photo op

Christmas...PART 2

We were soooo EXCITED to host Christmas this year...and even more excited that most of the 'family' was going to be able to make it! Nini, Aunt Allie, Uncle Marcus, Aunt Marsha, Uncle Tom, Eric, Tanya, Oatis, Kirsten and Patrick all made the trip to Pittsuburgh (in addition to our house guests from Philly--Grandma Barbara and Great Grandma Erna) to help us celebrate! While we missed those loved ones that weren't with us, we had a great time being together!


Gathering around for the first round of food...yummy appetizers and drinks for everyone--well almost everyone! Marta brought some Christmas Ale and was in the giving mood!
Oatis posing for a Christmas picture! He looks happy here--even though I think Lexie drove him nuts! She "sure does love puppies"!
The buffet quickly became a mecca for all things sweet!
After their naps, the girls started round two of present opening. This time, Olivia was way more into it! Maybe it was Aunt Allies' touch?!?
Still opening up presents!
Don't let Russ fool you, he was having a BLAST!!!!
"This is really fun--I wonder what is in this one?!"
Wow...this is just what I wanted! What is it?
Looks like someone had one too many Christmas Ales?!?
Happy faces as we sat down to eat!
Everyone getting their plates full of some grub! It was mighty good if I do say so myself.
Russ making sure everyone's glass was full of wine!
It was so much fun having a house full! Thanks Marta and Mom for all of your help in the kitchen--and thanks to everyone else for making the trip! We had a blast---and really should get together more often!
Until next time!

It's Christmas Time!!!

I am STILL having a hard time believing that Christmas is actually here! It seems like yesterday we were celebrating Lexie's birthday or were down in Florida---none the less--here it was Christmas morning!

I was sooo excited for the girls that I had a hard time staying asleep. I think Lexie must have been on the same page because around 7:30 she quietly came into our room and whispered, "Mommy, I think Santa came last night--you should see all the presents down stairs. Can we go down and take a look?!" It absolutely made my heart melt! As much as I wanted to tear down the steps with her...I told her she had to wait a little bit since no one else was up. Russ rolled over and suggested we get a book to read while we waited for Olivia, Grandma Barbara, and Great Grandma to wake up.

About 20 minutes later we heard Olivia stirring so I snatched her out of her crib so she could catch the end of the story Russ was reading to Lexie. We waited as long as we could, but 8am rolled around and it was all I could do to contain my excitement! It was "Christmas Time" as Lexie would say---so after making sure Great Grandma and Grandma were awake, we got down to business!!!


Russ tries to finish a book before we head down stairs to see what Santa brought for Christmas.
Looks like Lexie must have made the NICE list...she asked for snow...and Santa delivered!!!
She was so overwhelmed...she didn't know where to start!
After getting their bearings, both of the girls went straight for the wagon!

Perfect fit! Thanks Granny!
At first, Lexie thought this was a "DvDv" (or DVD as we would say). She was even more excited to find out this was a game for the Wii!
She LOVED opening her presents!!!! She couldn't get them opened fast enough!
Olivia was ALL about her new green chair. Thanks GG and Gpa!
With all of the gifts these two got for Christmas, what was the first thing they both went for? A cardboard box---Go figure!
Russ showcasing one of his many gifts. He must have been a good boy this year!

After opening up most of our gifts, I decided to test out one of mine---we had waffles compliments of my new circus shaped waffle iron.

It's begining to Look & SMELL alot like Christmas!

Lexie was VERY VERY VERY into Christmas this year...which made it that much more fun for the rest of us! She wanted to help--with EVERYTHING. She loved decorating the tree, hanging the stockings, sorting through Christmas cards--and BAKING COOKIES! At last count, we made 28 dozen cookies!!! She sure is a good helper!!!

We put the finishing touches on the banister days before Christmas.
Lexie thought it "looked beautiful"
We started running out of room to put all of our cookies to cool.
Lexie put all of the kisses on these cookies! These were my favorite--gluten free, vegan, peanut butter kiss cookies! They were DELICIOUS--and healthy too!

Arranging our goodies for Christmas day!
I found these adorable melted snowman cookies on a blog some time back and thought I would give them a try. Lexie had a field say with these!
By using recipes for royal icing, sugar cookies, and a little imagination...we were able to make these snowman deliciously adorable! (if I do say so myself!)