December Activites

December has been a busy month for us. Lots of different things going on. Jonah had his 15 month check up. He continues to grow well and is right on track. He had to get three shots and handled them well. Whinnie also had a check up and had to get shots. We celebrated Kristen's birthday on the 4th and then went out to a nice adult only dinner on Monday night. It was so nice to have a peaceful meal with out good friends. James and I finished our Reconciliation preparation by attending the second workshop on the 10th. He's now ready to celebrate his first Reconciliation at our church. Not sure when we'll do it since the service for the kids is the same day as Pinewood Derby in January. Then Sunday we went to the Pack Christmas party at La Finca. We enjoyed yummy Mexican food and the boys got to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

During the last week of school, we had our annual Christmas celebration with our friends. Since they always go up to PA for the break, they didn't feel like decorating their house this year. Thankfully I got the tree up and decorated, the stockings hung and the nativity scene out before our party on Wednesday. We all ate dinner together and then the kids exchanged presents. All of them enjoyed the gifts they received. The Christmas season was off to a great start! Thursday the boys both had their class Winter Holiday Parties. Thankfully the two little boys behaved during both parties and I was able to spend some time with John and James. During John's party, they played in the "home center" in the Kindergarten room. They played with the kitchen and the vacuum. Then during James' party, Jude enjoyed making cookies and listening to the stories. I helped the kids make their craft - a jingle bell made from a solo cup, ribbon, a pipe cleaner and a bell. All the kids got to wear pajamas that day so it was fun to see all the kids enjoying PJ day. Friday morning the boys enjoyed a sing along and then were released from school early. Friday after school, Brian took James and John to Home Depot for a Cub Scout den meeting. The boys learned all about tools and then built a helicopter from a kit. After that we hit the road for a mini vacation!

Friday afternoon we made the long drive to San Antonio. As usual Jonah was not happy riding in the car but what can you do. He has to ride in a car seat. We stopped at Buckee's for dinner and snacks before finishing the drive to our hotel. We stayed at the same hotel as in May. Unfortunately Sea World didn't open until noon so after breakfast, we spent some time in the pool. Everyone got showered and dressed and we hit the road for Sea World. We ate at one of my favorite BBQ restaurants - Bill Miller BBQ. It was so delicious. I LOVE their potatoes. We had a great time at Sea World although we didn't have time to see and do everything. It was chilly but pleasant outside. The boys rode Journey to Atlantis with Aunt Jocelyn and then Brian and I joined them on Rio Loco. Since my mom was turning 60 this year, we planned a surprise party for her at the hotel. We invited all of our family members who live in San Antonio to join us for pizza and cake Saturday evening. Thankfully they all arrived before she returned to the hotel and we were able to surprise her. We had a fantastic time catching up with our Aunts and cousins. It stinks that we can't see them more often but we're all so busy with our families. Sunday we packed up and made our way home. Thankfully Jonah was really tired and slept most of the way home and didn't start fussing until we reached the outskirts of Katy.

On Monday, Judy, Steve and Grandma came to visit us for a few hours. We enjoyed a spaghetti dinner with them and then the boys got to open their gifts from MaMaw and Poppa Steve. They really enjoyed everything the received, especially the Pokemon cards (James) and the Wizard of Oz goodies (John is obsessed with the Wizard of Oz right now). James spent some time showing Great Grandma how to play Pokemon while we waited for their laundry to finish up. James and John went back to Georgetown with them for a few days to visit.

On Tuesday, the little boys and I joined Brian's co-workers at Spring Creek for lunch. Our family friends, the Weatherwaxes, are in town for the holidays and we enjoyed a nice lunch with them and spent some time catching up. Then Wednesday, the little boys and I drove to Austin for another surprise gathering for my mom. This time we conspired with her boss to plan a surprise party for her at work. We ate lunch and then went to DPS to decorate the conference room. I was so thankful that Judy and Steve drove James and John into town so they could attend her party. She was in a meeting when we arrived and had been told they had another meeting to attend after that. We really shocked her and she was moved to tears. We had a nice visit with her co-workers and the boys got to see where Gammie works. She also had a great time showing off her grandsons and daughters. After the party was over, Judy and Steve picked up James and John for one last night in Georgetown and I headed home with the little boys. Jonah had another nice long nap in the car and didn't fuss too much.

Thursday was my mom's actual birthday and we treated her to a special dinner at Perry's where she received her final gift - ticket to the Nutcracker performance on Saturday afternoon. Friday was spent relaxing and gearing up for Christmas, then Saturday John was picked up by Aunt Jocelyn and Gammie to go see the Nutcracker. He had such a wonderful time. He loves that story and watching all of the dancers. I cooked dinner that night - chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and salad. Then we all sat down and watched Muppet's Christmas Carol. Our copy must have been really scratched because we missed a lot of the movie. I guess it's time to get a new copy. After that it was showers/baths, into pajamas and to bed. John stayed up really late which meant a late night for mom and dad. Thankfully they all slept well and didn't wake us up super early.