February Flew

My cousin and I got together while she was in town on business.

A chilly trip to the FW zoo- best time of year to go- the animals were so active in the cooler weather!

Happy V day!

Oh and yeah- we bought this beautiful new (to us) minivan!

StL Weekend Surprise

All of the sisters COMPLETELY surprised my mom this weekend for her birthday.  Megan and I flew up to St. Louis.  She left the boys at home and brought sweet baby Anna.

On Saturday, we had brunch at Aunt Shanny's, and even did a craft. 

A Valentine Wreath

Then we went and saw Les Mis and out to dinner. 

It was wonderful, and the first weekend in a while I have been away from the girls in a while.  It was good to kiss their sweet faces when I got home.  Lovely Weekend.

January

It was a busy month!

 

Playing with Christmas presents

Dentist Appointments

I used to wear this coat and muff!  Elia and mom went to Milwaukee for my dear Grandpa's funeral.

Sister-Cousin Pic

Played as much as we could on MLK day.

 

Happy New Year!

Among the usual- trim the budget, diet, exercise more etc, my official resolution is to leave work earlier each day so I can spend more time with my family!

Happy New Year to all!

Back Home- Santa Presents!

We were very wary when we rolled up to our little house here in Texas at 7:45pm.  The last hour is always the worst- you are so close to home and completely run out of things to entertain ourselves.  The 11 hour trip was immediately forgotten when the girls saw the beautiful presents under the tree.  All the gifts were unwrapped by 8:15- I feel like that should be a record!

Barbie Camper

Barbie convertible

On top of G's list- a magna color!  Which unfortunately was not built correctly by Santa's elves, so we have to send it back to Amazon to get a new one.

There were of course many other presents (legos, hello kitty towels, books, and dressups) but they were all opened so fast I couldnt get pictures!  What a fabulous and Blessed Christmas we have had!

St. Louis: A visit with the McBrides

I'm so glad we were able to meet up with Rebecca this visit!  She texted me a few days before to tell me that little X had croup so it was up in the air whether or not we would be able to see them.  But he turned a corner pretty quickly, so we were able to playdate the day before we left.  It was so great to catch up with her!

Watching a show before lunch.

Playing dress up, a Sophia- Gianna favorite!

Rebecca is just a week and a half away from baby #4.  Her new house in St. Louis is perfect for them.  We will be back to visit soon!

St. Louis: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

After a lovely brunch at Aunt Shanny's house, a nap and church, we were all ready for the presents to begin!  First up, matching jammies for all the cousins.

Sunday Best

Doesnt everyone just look so happy here? 

The cousins also opened presents from their aunts and uncles. 

Hello Kitty Toe socks- good for the feet or your hands!

Probably the most favorite game- Angry Birds.  Both Gianna and Colin have their game faces on.

I love love love this picture.  Aunt Colleen and Uncle Bobby found Gabby Douglas Corn Flakes.  She was so excited.

After they were finally in bed, the siblings opened presents.  Then we put out the Santa presesnts.  This year instead of hauling EVERYTHING back and forth, we only brought stocking stuffers and a joint present for the girls from Santa.  Matt and Sarah were dog-sitting back in Dallas, so they made sure to put out the larger santa presents for us to come home to.

Annual fireplace and milk and cookies picture. 



Past 3 years!

Chirstmas day was spent opening presesnts, playing with presents, eating yummy food, and Santa even stopped by for a quick visit.

He gave out little presents to the oldest 4.

 

 

G was toooooo excited here

Merry Christmas!

St. Louis: Cousin Love

We left on Saturday to spend 5 days in St. Louis.  Gianna and Elia were so excited to see their cousins Colin and Austin, and of course the 2 babies- Brendan and Anna!

Almost to St. Louis!  I think we were in Mount Vernon, MO here.

G was the baby lover, as always.  She has little scratches all over her face from little babies grabbing at her.

It got cold!  G looks like a McHugh here!

My favorite picture!

My sweet god daughter!

No one could get enough of these 2.

Toms trains.