Christmas In January!

Well, I lied.  That wasn't my last Christmas post.  Last weekend was filled with lots of family time.  Friday didn't start off too great - Benjamin caught a bug at a birthday party the previous weekend and passed it to literally every family member.  Benjamin was feeling fine by Friday but Will and I weren't at 100%.  We decided to continue our planned weekend of family fun.First stop, the ranch.  We stopped by the cow pens before heading the house for some lunch with Granny G.  This was Ben and I's first ranch experienced and it proved to be pretty exciting.  Benjamin wasn't too sure about the noises the cows were making while being branded.

He warmed up to ranch life pretty fast.

It was really neat to see Will in action knowing exactly what to do.  I forget he grew up around cowboys and it is pretty cool our kids will get a  taste of what 'working the land' looks like. 

  
I managed to get in on the action.  My father-in-law showed me how to brand.   The smell of dirty cow hair is one I would like to forget (ha!), not the best remedy for a stomach bug and crazy pregnant smelling nose. 

Overall, we all had lots of fun and plan on helping Boots again in the future.  Benjamin is going to love it once he gets a little older.

 After our cow adventures, we headed up to the house for some lunch with Granny G and PA.

Second up, Austin. Memaw still had all her Christmas stuff up, and the Dodges met us there as well. This was the first Christmas without him, and it was oh so hard.  I love being in Austin and their house.  He is everywhere and I can feel his love in every room.  Their house carries my childhood and it such a blessing to get to share it with my kid(s). Audrey was under the weather by the time we arrived but powered through. While the trip wasn't exactly what we had planned, it turned out so much fun.   

Memaw and her great-grandkids. 

Auntie E and Audrey

Luke received this Explorer outfit from Memaw.  It was awesome!

Nothing like a pregnant woman and Cheetos! They are just so good. 

Luke was so excited Uncle Rett and Ashley made it.

Audrey got a too cute A&M cheerleader outfit!

All the kids got these cool glasses, and couldn't stop wearing them. 

Benjamin and his tractor.

Well that officially wraps all the Christmas 2012 celebrating. We left Memaw with a parting gift Sunday - the stomach bug. I hope our trip was worth it Memaw! :) 

Christmas Card!

Last Christmas post...

Merry Christmas from the Schmids!

White Christmas

Christmas morning was spent at our house and consisted of making home aide cinnamon rolls, blowing out candles for Jesus, and opening a few gifts from Santa before heading over to Tula and Pop's house.

It was a relaxing day filled with food, naps, and good ole family time.  

  Here are the pics from the day.

This next series of pictures cracks me up.  It is nearly impossible to get a pic with all the grand kids   We have milk cups in the picture, objects in front of peoples faces, and screaming kids.  Poor Tula and Pop!

SNOW!!!  Luke was in awe and totally loved it!  He got to go outside.  We didn't have the proper attire for Benjamin and Audrey, so they just watched from inside the Moms. 

After a DELICIOUS meal cooked by Tula, we all too naps (it was AMAZING!), and then had present time.  We were all spoiled by Tula and Pop, to say the least!

 Audrey got a piano and it was a huge hit.

Benjamin wanted in on the action...

So he took charge...

 And got right on in...

This picture cracks me up.

Audrey so mad she isn't getting to play with HER toy and Benjamin without a care in the world tickling the ivories. 

Tula and Pop got all the little kids a "vehicle".  They were all so excited!

What a blessing to have such a magical, white Christmas this year!!

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve with the Schmid side of the family. 

The Friday before Christmas was the annual Schmid Christmas dinner which is hosted by Aunt Betty and often includes lots of extended family.  

Here Will and I are right before leaving.  Our little bun in the oven is growing, growing.

Christmas Eve morning we arrived at Miss E and Boot's house.  We kicked off the day with Ben's big gift from Miss E and Boots. Benjamin LOVED his new train table! It looks great in our game room and has already logged many hours.

Benjamin thought Will's hat was just hilarious.  

He loved exploring Miss E's house and looking at all her decorations. 

We ate lunch at the club.  I love this sweet picture of my guys.

I was trying to get a shot of Ben solo and stood him on the table. He fell mid picture taking... pretty funny. Flying reindeer. 

Ben loved all the Christmas touches the club had to offer. 

Note: He may have stole a souvenir from the tree - see his hand. :)

The lunch ended with some yummy eggnog.  Benjamin and I enjoyed the non-adult version. Ben was in heaven and couldn't resist licking his cup clean.

Getting sleepy.

So sweet. 

After a nice nap, Benjamin opened a few more gifts from the family.  Uncle Matt's Thomas the Train was a huge hit!

After presents we headed over to Aunt Lindy and Uncle Bill's house for their annual Christmas Eve dinner. Benjamin is the only kid so he got LOTS of attention.  Miss E loved showing him off.

By the end of the day my little elf was pretty sleepy. We headed home and went to bed.  

Stay tuned for Christmas with the Gibson's.