Christmas 2016

This year Christmas came and went before we even realized it happened.  It's always a busy time of year, and this was no exception.

Old Katy Christmas Market

We met our friends the Alleys, and had fun shopping and enjoying the food trucks.  The biggest draw for the kids was the snow that was being brought in.  Unfortunately, this was really just a dirty slush pond.  Honestly the kids couldn't have cared less, and being from Texas, they really didn't know what they were missing.

Secret/Dirty Santa

We hosted a Secret Santa for the kids and a Dirty Santa, or Dirty Elephant gift exchange for the adults about a week before Christmas.

Its so nice to get all our families together right before the holidays.  It was one of my favorite events of the season - getting to watch the kids give each other their gifts made me so happy.  They were all so genuinely excited.

The kids swam and watched movies while we all caught up before the holidays.  I'm so thankful to have each and every one of these people in my life.  Love you ALL!!!

Christmas Eve at the Kennedys

For the past two years we've been spending Christmas Eve at the Kennedys.  And for the past two years the weather has been absolutely perfect, so of course - we swim.

Thanks to the Kennedy's for hosting such a fabulous time.

Christmas Eve Traditions

We headed home from the Kennedy's to get ready for Santa and his reindeer.  We set out cookies and sprinkled reindeer food.  Isla drank hot chocolate, and unfortunately, there was a story about Krampus

(see the video below).  

Nevertheless, both kids were in bed early to ensure a timely visit from the old man with the beard.

Jordan and I stayed up later putting together Holdens sensory room and various gifts for Isla.

Christmas Morning/Day

The kids woke up bright and early and by the reactions, Christmas 2016 was a success!

We cleaned up presents and wrapping paper for the better part of the morning and then got ready to head over to our neighbors, the Lennons for our long-standing Christmas Dinner tradition.

I was pretty proud of this charcuterie tray...

We're so lucky to have this family in our lives, and always have the best time spending Christmas with them.  This year, Jordan's cousin Nathan joined us as well as our other neighbors the Dowds.

We ended the night at our house playing games and toasting to another great Christmas holiday.

The month was filled with countless Christmas movie classics, elf shenanigans, carols, wrapping paper and glitter

everywhere.  

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, and a very happy and prosperous New Year.