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***

Our Time in Tarpon

Granny and the girls at the park
Olivia making her way over to the big play park

Olivia going through the tunnel on the 'big slides'
Lexie loves to hang like a monkey
Olivia enjoying a stationary bike with the help of Granny...I don't know who is having more fun
My lovable Lexie
The girls found a car to drive
After the park, we made our way over to the beach...it was a little too chilly and WAY too windy to get in the water, but we were able to enjoy the sand none the less

Olivia pointing...'beesh'....
"Come on Granny---let's go this way"
Picturesque palms

I have to admit, I was trying to be a bit artsy with this photo...and I LOVE IT! Lexie running on the beach with her bucket of sand with Granny and Olivia in the background
Busy, busy, busy...she couldn't pick up the shells fast enough
More shells...though this time she braved the cool water temps to get one
We had a great couple of days with Granny! We made it to the park, the beach and the pool---and even managed to get some Christmas decorations up too!

Over the Clouds and Through the Jetbridge to GG & Gpa's we GO!!!!

Whew! We did it! We made it to Florida...I was going to put "I did it", but it was a group effort, so I can't take all the credit--the girls were GREAT for my first solo trip via the friendly skies! They are seasoned pros when it comes to flying, but this was our first trip without the help of daddy!

In any event, after deplaning for our turkey-day visit, we were greeted by GG and Nini at the airport! Lexie couldn't wait to get in the pool and start splashing around! The water was warm, the sun was out, the weather was perfect...we were having a great time! The only thing missing was Russ--though he would be joining us later!

The spectacular view from the lanai at GG and Gpa's

Olivia enjoying the views and some breakfast

GG keeping a close eye out for the alligator while Lexie enjoyed her breakfast outside...did I mention it was snowing back home?

We spent a couple of hours a day (typically in the morning) over at the pool...then it was lunch, followed by naps...and if we were lucky, an afternoon jaunt back to the pool. The girls and I sure were having a ball!


Swim, swim, swim!!! Nini and Olivia taking a break from the water

No rest for Nini...back in the water with Lexie---she just LOVES the water
Drying off to head back for a nap...I think she would have stayed in the pool all day if I let her!

Turkey day was upon us and GG put together a lovely spread...she even invited Granny down to join us for our Thanksgiving meal! Shortly after we were done eating, Granny and I loaded up the girls and headed north up to Tarpon Springs.

We have so much to be thankful for!