Texas Christmas Visit Take TWO

For the second half of our trip, we relocated to my dad's house near Humble. Lexie was instantly in heaven when she saw the pool---and Russ was excited to be able to get out and play some golf! This was the first visit to Houston where we stayed at both Michael & Debbie's and my dad's. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but we had a blast! We really wish our trip wouldn't have gotten cut short since it seemed like we really didn't get to spend enough time at either place! Luckily, most of the gang from Seabrook was able to come up New Year's Day to hang out and visit! Guess we will just have to try to make another visit soon!


View of the back of the house
Night time shot of the hot tub and pool...Lexie LOVED the pool, LOVED the colors, and LOVED visiting with everyone!
Russ posing with the girls prior to celebrating what seemed like our 6th Christmas---we were all super excited
Passing out Christmas gifts
More gifts....
Olivia gets in on the gift opening action
"Thankssss"
The next morning---very early in the morning--before anyone else was awake, my dad fired up the smoker in preparation for the feast that was to be enjoyed MUCH later in the day. When the rest of us were finally awake--a couple of hours later, the whole house smelled like a smoker! Everyone raved about the food so it must have been worth all the effort. (I tasted the baked beans--as they were also 'smoked'--pretty tasty!)

Here is the custom made plaque on affixed to the front of the smoker! This is no joke!
Throwing a few more logs on the fire
Supervising from the widow
Briskets being smoked in preparation for the big New Year's Day Celebration

Dad and Granny standing in front of the smoker
Russ enjoying the warm water in the pool with the girls
Hanging out on New Year's Day--good weather, good food, good times! (Doesn't hurt that the Buckeyes won--GO BUCKS!)
Uncle Mitch showing Spencer a little 'love'
While getting the girls ready for bed, Olivia decides to 'HONK' Spencer...I think she got him good
Posing in our matching jammies again---

Poor Spencer never had a chance once the girls ganged up on him!
Posing with Uncle Mitch before his morning drive back to San Antonio
After Uncle Mitch left, we took the kids outside to let them run off some energy. It was a cool--but gorgeous morning!

Olivia was loving the outdoors!

Taking the girls for a ride--enjoying the crisp fall like air (rather than sub freezing temps up north)

Eagle Scout Russ working on the wood pile for the bonfire later that night
Grandpa wanted a turn at taking the girls for a ride around the 'backyard' in the wagon
Night time bonfire is complete with toasty warm marshmallows
"These sure are good mommy---but I'm a messy mess!"
Getting a little bit of help from Daddy and Granny
Lexie loved the bonfire--and the big red blanket wrapped around her! It was a bit chilly!
THANKS Dad for hosting such a great party on new year's day...and thanks everyone for a great visit! Hope to see you all again soon!

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***

HOUSTON...we have a problem???

The only problem we EVER have when we go to Houston is that the time goes by so quickly...and this visit was no exception! We definitely filled our fun card during our trip down south...even though Grandpa was no where to be seen! Russ and Michael golfed a few times, Debbie and I indulged at the spa, we cheered on Marissa at a few volleyball games, saw Spencer's martial arts class, went to the beach, the pool, the park, and just enjoyed some good old family time! Thanks for the hospitality--can't wait to do it again---and SOON--say New Years?!


Spencer and Olivia playing with cups...kept the little ones entertained for days!
Aunt Debbie and Olivia in the pool--took her a few minutes, but she ended up liking it!
Lexie waiting patiently to get into the pool...she was having a blast just watching the puppies run around!

Marissa, during her volleyball tournament!
Stuff--in your face--NICE BLOCK!
Serve em up sticks!


Looks like Uncle Michael is showing Lexie how to read the waves...or something more prophetic
Marissa's with her friends
Russ and Olivia deep in conversation...


...and looking for 'stuff' on the beach
Marissa goofing off with some of her friends--ahhh to be a teenager again!
Spencer, showing Lexie how to 'surf'


Nothing better than a little sand through your toes and the water under your feet!
Rockin' some pig tails, hanging on the beach with daddy!
Lexie was catching some waves with Uncle Michael
She was L O V I N G it!!!!
HANG ON Lexie!
Olivia wasn't too happy when we had to pack up the next day to head home! Just look at that grump-o-potomus face!