A Texas Christmas

After opening gifts and stockings at our house, we headed out to my Dad's house for Christmas day.  They live about an hour away from us, so it was nice to do something with them and have Christmas dinner over there - delicious.  Leave it to Texas to have a 75 degree Christmas day.  However, because it was so nice, Eli had a blast chasing all of the deer and going on walks around the neighborhood in search of them.  Should we just start the college fund now specifically for the A&M Vet School?!?!

 Over the river and through the woods to Poppi and Grammi's we go!

 Look at the herd - I have never seen this many at one time.  

 Eli had a hay day with this!  The video is amazing of him just running out in the middle of them chasing and scaring them away yelling "DEER"

 His cool new fighter pilot jacket

 Eating Christmas lunch in front of the window so he could watch the deer.

 Who needs a stroller when Poppi has a wheelbarrow.

 Riding around in luxury on the hunt for more DEER!!

 My only group shot :(

 After pushing around Eli all around the neighborhood, Poppi needs a rest break

 #TEXAS!

 More gifts and his very own horse!

 Eli is in love with his Avenger Tent

 The only picture I got with his fighter pilot hat.  However, I love this.  His face is screaming - "MOM, THIS IS SO EMBARRASSING.  PUT IT ON RIGHT!"

 Airplane movies with Poppi and Grammi

Right down the road from my dad's house is a neighbor that goes all out with lights, these blow up things, and music to coordinate.  This is just one side of their house ....

Christmas Morning

We drove back to Austin to spend Christmas morning at our house and create some of our very first Christmas memories as a family.  It was definitely challenging for me, but Eli had so much fun and this precious smile made it all worth it.

 Christmas Eve night getting ready for Santa.

 He loves a selfie/phone

Eli's first letter to Santa, and of course his response ;)

 Balance Bike, Slide, Drum set - oh my!!

 Christmas Morning!!!  We decorated his door with streamers and balloons.  We could have only done that for Christmas and he would have had a blast .... he is still loving his balloons!

 My little drummer boy! I was about to return this, but now I am glad we kept it.  This is still one of his favorite toys and he plays it every morning - Derek is thrilled :)

 SLIDES!!

 Since my sister wasn't there to take my awkward photos, I figured it was only right to post his picture for her

 Balls and cool sunglasses

 Loving his new balance bike.  But, we might recycle this gift for next year also :)

Love this little reminder - Christmas last year (2014) when he was 6 months old.

Christmas 2013 when we made the announcement we were pregnant with our sweet little boy. Crazy!

Christmas Eve Eve

I only had the 23rd and 24th off from work, so we made a little trip up to Southlake and had some of Derek's family come over for a quick visit.  Loved getting to hang out with family even for short while!!

 Of course we start the day out by feeding all the animals with PA.  

 Morning Horses with Pa.  Love the sunrise in the background.  

 Blacky - Eli's favorite Horse

 Jenny the donkey

 Uncle E helping Eli with the balance bike.  Just needs to grow a few more inches ...

 Cousin Christmas is tough

 Uncle Mark and trampolines!!

Hanging out with Aunt Leah and Cousin Frank

 Christmas Eve services

 I went and got Eli from the nursery so he could enjoy the candle light portion of the service and hear all of his Christmas bed time songs.  He was sooo good!

 My lovely Granny!

Loved getting to worship with Ali at Compass for the Christmas Eve service

And now Aslynn!! She was the perfect little angel.  Her solo was precious and beautiful. Not sure I could get up in front of hundreds of people for 9 different services when I was 6 years old.  Must be in the genes :)

 Love his little face!

 Kygoo, Poppi, and Grammi even came with us - fun!

 Fun activities at Mimi and Pa's!

 Christmas Eve Smoothies - or Orange Julius.  Our favorite!

 Slides with Uncle Kygoo.  You have to be sneaky with Kyle when you take his picture.  I was inside behind the door so he could not see me - ha!

Christmas Eve Stockings at Mimi's!!