Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Joyeaux Noel!!!

We can officially mark yet another great Christmas off the calendar. After the Christmas Eve services were over at the church, we kicked off the Christmas festivities at our house with a yummy tamale dinner ( I think it’s official – I have been Texified for sure – sorry Dad!). In an effort to redeem myself and stay true to my Cajun roots, I made a gumbo on Christmas day that would make my Cajun folks proud (except for the fact that Mrs. Bev wanted to eat crackers with hers instead of potato salad and Adam insisted that the potato salad needed pickles – I know…but what can you do?) We certainly ate well, that’s for sure. In addition to all of our face-stuffing, we played Bingo for prizes instead of doing gifts. It was fun, and it started getting late, so our leisurely bingo game turned into “speed bingo” – no talking, just dobbing. Everyone got a little something to take home, so that was fun. On Christmas morning we couldn’t wait to see Braxton’s reaction to all of the toys that Santa brought by. I must say, his response surprised us all. After looking at all of the toys for about ten seconds, he turned around and said, “Ok, can I open presents now??!!” Note to self… ask Santa to wrap the presents he brings next year. Who knew that opening the presents was as much fun as the presents themselves? Lesson learned. Auston, on the other hand, was more concerned about downing his morning bottle than opening presents, which was not surprising. After getting his belly full, he rolled around in the trash and probably ate a piece or two – he seemed content. I think that both boys had a good Christmas and I know that we did, too. It will be one to remember! And in spite of all of the festivities and fun, I pray that none of us forget the true reason for the season – Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to save us from our sin. Thank you Lord for the greatest gift of all! I hope that each and every one of you have a blessed and merry holiday season!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The Polar Express

We took the Polar Express this weekend on a trip all the way to the North Pole! Braxton was in heaven getting to ride the train and see Santa Claus all in the same day! We had a great time, and I know that Braxton will be talking about this train ride for a LONG time. It was so neat - the waiters served us hot cocoa and Santa Claus shaped chocolates right after we got on the train. Then we got to read the Polar Express book, see the "North Pole," chat with Santa and the train conductor and sing Christmas carols on the ride back to the station. It was too much fun! Nana and I even got a little weepy on the trip (the North Pole moved me and Nana started fogging up when Silent Night came on!). It was definitely a trip to remember!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Hard Working Little Man

Paw Paw & Granny got Braxton a new tool kit for Christmas, and he was so excited to put on his gear. He wanted to show everyone how cool he looked in a hard hat and say thanks to Paw Paw & Granny!



Auston enjoyed the hard hat, too!!

Christmas Season is Officially Here!

Braxton was really in the Christmas spirit after decorating his Christmas tree yesterday!

So Much to Be Thankful For!

We had a wonderful Turkey Day this year! Aunt Vic and Uncle Adam came in town from San Antonio. They even brought our long lost niece and nephew (Shiner and Ghost) for us to see. Nana & Pops drove all the way in from Mayberry, and Mimi made a trek across the metroplex from Bedford to be with us. We stuffed our bellies full (not once, but twice!) and got to enjoy each other's company. We also went outside and played like children on the lot across the street from our house (everything from soccer to hide and go seek!). It was a great day and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I asked the boys what they were thankful for. Braxton is thankful for: his family, trains, tow trucks, buildings, workers and Auston. Even though Auston can't talk yet, I am pretty sure he is thankful for his big brother, being able to crawl and his new tooth. Jimmy and I are ABUNDANTLY thankful for all of our family and friends, near and far, that love us and support us. Life just wouldn't be the same without each and every one of you! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Halloween Fun

OK, so we are a little behind on the blog but the next month or so should prove to be blog content heavy with the holidays here.

Speaking of holidays - we had a great time at Halloween this year. Some friends and their families came over for a "Freaky Friday Fish Fry." After dinner, the ladies took the kiddos trick-or-treating while the fellas stayed around the house and handed out candy.

Here's some shots of Braxton and Auston and all their friends:

The GREAT State Fair of Texas!

Well if there was one thing that I learned in my early days of courting Jimmy, it was that the York family LOVES the State Fair of Texas. And for some members of the family (eh hem… Mr. Les!) the State Fair is more than just an annual event, it’s a way of life. For him, the anticipation of the annual trip to visit Big Tex makes life worth living. I never thought that I would ever live to see someone who loves the State Fair more than Mr. Les, until recently. Of all of the gazillions of people in this world, I never thought it would be someone so close to home – my sweet little Braxton. Jimmy and I have come to the conclusion that Braxton has definitely, beyond the shadow of a doubt, inherited the carnie gene that is floating around in the York gene pool. Maybe it’s because we start them out young in this family. After all, Braxton was a mere 14 months old for his first trip the fair, and Auston went for his first time this year at the whopping age of 6 months! Whatever the cause may be, it is absolutely hilarious, and in many cases absolutely melts my heart, to watch this precious boy and his Pops at the fair. They are two peas in a pod! Our boy may look like Mrs. Bev (yes, it has been confirmed by MANY), but he is so much like his Pops in more ways than I can count. In fact, he is so much like his Pops that he made Jimmy stop at a map right after we entered the fair so he could figure out where we were going (the sweet boy can’t even read!!). He was in awe of the trains (shocker, I know!!) and couldn’t get enough of them. He had a ball watching the parade, climbing in and out of the new cars and riding a few rides. He absolutely wore himself out. As we were leaving, Pops handed him a brochure of the fair that included a map of the park. He talked and talked about where we were going to go next year and was so excited to sit and study that map. He eventually crashed out on the ride home, and this is what we found in the back seat when we pulled into the garage.



I can hardly imagine what he was dreaming about. Thank you Pops and Nana for a GREAT day! Until we see you next year, sweet dreams Big Tex!!!