Trick or Treat!

Tonight we met up at my Uncle Art's house so the kiddos could trick or treat with their cousins. After we were done there, we met up with some friends from day care and had a blast trick or treating drinking with them. The kids stayed up until NINE THIRTY!!!

SANTA!!

Every year, we try to get all the cousins together for a group shot with Santa. Last year, Abby was an angel. It was a HUGE step up from 2010 when Carrie had to hide in the back, holding onto her boys' shirts so they wouldn't run away!
2011
This year Abby didn't want to cooperate. I truly don't think it was the fact that Santa was holding her. It was that she had to be away from her mama. One minute before the photo, Gloria was holding Abby and she was happy. I thought it would be PERFECT because Abby just hates to be put down my me, but is usually fine if she's warmed up to someone who then abandons her. Alas, Gloria was holding our number for the line, so Abby was in my arms and I knew then that our chances were shot!
2012
Santa has quite a grip on Abby. Because right before the cousins pic, he lost his grip on Abby and she slid down. Derek swooped in before she hit the floor!

And while we're at it, let's take a look at how the Hicks kids did.
2011

2012

Red Oak

By Sunday I was going stir crazy. So I texted Grandma Rose to see if we could come visit. When she said they were around, I texted Coco (Carrie) to see if she and her boys wanted to come play too.

We were all in Red Oak by 10 a.m. Grandma Rose had lunch for the whole crew, Papa made his salsa. Practically perfect...

The John Deere toys were run for several hours while we were there.

Christmas with Grandma Rose & Papa

Yesterday we had Christmas at my parents' house. On the way down there, we taught Grant to hold his hands under his chin and say "Thank youuuuuu". He failed to do it at Christmas but has been doing it ever since.

The boys ran all around the house. Even a few falls and collisions (bottom right) didn't slow them down. *Note - why is Grant the only one with his shirt off? One word - lasagna.*

Grant did get a little distracted with Lola (that's who he's smiling at outside the door).

I really like this next photo of Uncle Steve with Abby.

Next came PRESENTS!!! Grant loved his sock monkey jack in the box from Aunt Carrie. The photo also captures Matthew's reaction to a lego set in the background. Love it! I also love the background of the second photo - Tia with her 'nog and my baby!

The young boys all got cowboy hats and John Deere boots!

Once the presents were opened, Grant played in the hat box and ate his stocking stuffer. Lots of people eat their stocking stuffers... when it's candy! *sigh*.

Grant went to bed and we put on the Wizard of Oz. Carrie's boys know the entire movie and reenact it or dance the whole time. Carrie and I sang every word like we used to at Gaumy's. It was so fun!

We were all wiped and went to bed mid-movie. That was a good thing - each of Carrie's boys was awake at some point during the night (and may have woken up other people too). And Abby was so congested that she needed to sleep on one of us. Oh - and she decided to party from 4-7 am. The Motos stayed in the game room and as soon as they heard about our overnight adventure, they called the game room for the next 5 years. Thankfully my favorite sister held my congested baby in the morning and I got a good nap!! It was a good thing too because next up was the Paxton family Christmas...