Colorado Christmas

We made it, there and back again! We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with my family this year. We drove to Amarillo on Wednesday and stayed overnight before making our way to Colorado. A rare occasion in Colorado - no snow! Not only was there no snow for Christmas, but it was warmer in Denver than it was at home in Louisiana.

After a fantastic time with the family, we headed back on Monday evening, driving straight through. I drove the first hour, and Kelly... well, he drove the next 15. It was tough, but I made it!! I must admit, my husband is some sort of driving superhero! 

Christmas Eve

Opening their new jammies before bed - a Christmas Eve tradition!

Cousins! (minus Samantha, she was already in bed!)

Lydia & Samantha on Christmas Morning

No snow = family walks to the park!

Gramma, Claire & Nolan at Noodles and Co.

Now that we're home, I'm in the midst of the annual post-Christmas purge. Cleaning out, organizing, scrubbing down and rearranging is in order! After several years of excitement, change and moving, we are looking forward to settling in, making our home, well, ours, and just... breathing. Happy New Year!

christmas in the rockies

This is where we're headed tomorrow! We were hoping for snow, but it sounds like we may miss it this year! Kelly isn't sad that he won't be driving in it, but the kids and I were hoping to be able to build a snowman or two. Either way, we'll be with my mom, sister, niece and nephew for the holiday. I am giddy just thinking about it. We'll spend about 10 hours in the car tomorrow and 8 more on Thursday. Now to start packing...

Merry Christmas!!

Lights, Camera, Christmas!

The school Christmas program was yesterday, and I just realized that it was the first that they've ever been in! Our kids have attended some wonderful schools, but I truly believe that NSU Elementary Lab is the best we've experienced. (Okay, so I'm a little biased, being the school secretary and all, but I felt that way before I worked there. My being there every day just increases that belief!) The kids worked so hard on their songs and parts, it was such a treat for everyone! As a part of Northwestern State University, we have the privilege to perform in the Fine Arts Center. It was packed!

Nolan's 2nd grade class (He's behind the mic stand!)

Singing "Must Be Santa" - it's been stuck in my head for the last 2 weeks!

'Up on the Housetop'

(Oh, that haircut!)

 Even mom had a little part! Check me out, an A+!

Ah, take in the drama!

Claire's 4th grade class performed 'Silent Night' in sign language.

Many tears were shed! (Not just me, I promise!)

Action shot: Claire and Hunter swing dance to Jingle Bell Rock! They got moves!

It was all so fantastic, and well... a little exhausting. But now it's Christmas Break and we're settling into relaxation mode. Truly the most wonderful time of the year!

puppy love

swap it!

I love a good cookie exchange! I have attended several fabulous cookie swaps over the years and have always wanted to host one myself. Claire & I thought it would be fun to host a 'Mother & Daughter' Cookie Exchange this year! We invited 8 moms & girls to bake and share 8 dozen of their choice of special cookies yesterday. Claire and I baked up peanut butter cookies (complete with chocolate chunks!) while friends shared Coconut Macaroons, Sugar Cookies, Brownies, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Sandwiches and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. We had more than enough to share with neighbors. I think it may just become a yearly tradition!

8 Cute Cookie Bakers!!

Christmas Festival 2010

I've mentioned the Christmas Festival a few other times, we had a blast again this year! The kids and I walked in the Junior Parade with the E-Lab Running Club (Rumor it was 5 miles! I didn't measure, but we walked and walked and walked and... you get the idea!).

Nolan and his buddies waiting for the parade to start

E-Lab Running Club!

The new feature this year was sledding! Okay, so they slid down a hill on boxes, but it's the closest to sledding we're going to get! It was a beautiful day spent with friends, eating great food, watching the Main Parade and enjoying the kickoff to the Christmas Season. It was a great time. And the fireworks this year were the best we've seen!

Sledding... I mean Sliding!

Waiting for the fireworks to start!

Merry Christmas!!