White Christmas in Texas!

We had a fun surprise when the kids woke up from naps on Christmas Day to find the ground covered in snow.  Wow - it's not very often that we get a White Christmas in Texas. We stayed indoors on Tuesday but braved the 20 degree temps on Wednesday to enjoy the snow. 

I love the view from my parent's front porch with all of the snow.

The kids enjoyed playing with all of their new toys while being cooped up inside.
Kerplunk with Papa

Teaching Grandma Jane how to play her new Leap Pad.  Hard to believe that over 100 years separates these two.  She turns 104 on Saturday.

All bundled up and ready to go play in the snow.


Brody was not a fan of the snow.  His reaction to the snow was similar to his reaction to the sand this summer at the beach.

Shovel sled

When you live in the county you can go sledding in the john boat.

It didn't work so well the first time so they tried a second time.

Brody was not interested in riding in the boat.



After the boat, they moved on to sleds made with cardboard boxes and shovels.



Harper loved it!!!

Brody - not so sure...

Dad remembered doing this with us back when we were little.  So I dug out the old pics from 1988 when dad pulled Carol and I around in the snow using the same materials.


Like mother like daughter! Check out the gloves.  Harper is wearing the exact same ones that I wore 25 years ago!

Papa and Harper

We sure enjoyed the White Christmas this year!

Christmas 2012 in Paris

We enjoyed our relaxing time in Paris over the Christmas break.  Christmas Eve we attended the service at my parents Church.  There was no childcare but my Dad sang in the little ensemble so the kids were occupied by watching him. After church we came home for a yummy Christmas Eve dinner prepared by my mom. The kids put out reindeer feed on the yard and left out cookies for Santa.


My sisters: Carol & Rebekah

Christmas morning the kids actually slept until 7 a.m. and then we managed to get everyone else out of bed so we could open presents.

Santa brought Brody a tool bench

and Harper a fun doll house



Brody's new "Band in a Box".  I think he might be my little musician in the making.


We all surprised mom with an ipad. So now she can facetime with us.


Brody is a big fan of his new train set. Check out the video below.


My surprised all of us by getting our college diplomas framed.  She managed to steal them from each of our houses over the past few months.

Harper's favorite gift might be her own "Ipad."  It's the LeapFrog version of the LeapPad. I might have trouble getting her off of this.

What a fun Christmas morning. 

Christmas With Grandad Sherman

Before we left for Paris we got together to celebrate Christmas with Grandad Sherman. His birthday is Dec. 24th so we celebrated his birthday as well.

Baby dolls are always a hit with Miss Harper

And Trains are Brody's new favorite

Kids Christmas Parties

Today the kids had their Christmas Performance and parties at school.  Jeff couldn't get away from school but his dad was able to come with me to watch the kids.  I just recorded the parts that Harper and Brody were in but the whole performance was so cute.  Brody's class were all cows and Harper's class were shepherds.  Enjoy the videos.



Grandad and Harper after the performance


Brody and a few of his classmates

Brody's class made ornaments and decorated cookies.


I bounced back and forth between both of their classrooms so I could be a part of both of their parties.

A little game of musical chairs


Intently decorating her cookies


Brody's teacher was very brave and brought a chocolate fondue fountain for the party. The kids loved it but it was MESSY!!!



A little visit from Santa Claus.

Brody's making Reindeer feed to put out on Christmas Eve



We are so thankful for their preschool and their teachers.