Texas Christmas

So we got all packed up and ready for our trip to Texas. We wanted to make sure we had as much time in Texas as possible so we took a 7AM flight. It was only the night before that we realized we were going to need to have everyone at the airport by 6 ... so an early morning it was! Evelyn of course did not go to sleep until 4:30 ... but who's counting hours of sleep these days?

Maddie loves flying.  We had the flight to ourselves (7AM flight on a Saturday? Shocking).  Maddie got herself all set up with Daddy in one row and Evelyn and I took another.  It was great!

We arrived in Dallas and Nick had already figured out our meals for the week.  We started at Freebirds.  Daddy looks happy ... or maybe it is too spicy ... I don't really know that look.

After lunch, we went and played in the park for a little bit.  Maddie had fun in the trees.

Daddy and I were so lucky to have babysitters ... so we left our girls with Zsa Zsa and Aunt Summer and went out for a little bit.  We were sent this picture - so cute.  Caroline loved Evelyn and Maddie was very protective of her sister.  It was really sweet. 

Playing My Little Ponies

Then it was time to open presents.  Both girls got some beautiful outfits and fun toys.

Then we went to feed the ducks at Zsa Zsa's pond.  They were very friendly ducks!

That night, we met up at the galleria for some skating with PopPop.

The next day, we went to visit Uncle Jorge and Aunt Carrie.  We had a great lunch together. 

Then ... somehow ... there were more presents to open!  Maddie and Caroline had a great time opening presents. 

After a long day of opening gifts, Maddie had a soak in the hot tub.  In her bikini.  Too much.

Then it was off to Houston the next day.  Maddie got right back into routine.  She headed right to Nana's pantry to a little game of store/chef.

A little MLP workbook time

And Barbies and Ponies on the big bed.

The next morning, Maddie and Nana decorated a gingerbread house.  There were lots of sweets.

The next day we opened presents. 

Maddie loved her new Texas dolly.  She even has a South Padre towel!

Daddy got some gloves and marzipan.  Amy was worried the marzipan was too girlie ...

... but Daddy thought they were just right.  Mmmm ...

Katie was home and everyone was so happy to see her.  She and Evelyn had a great time together.

This is one of my most favorite pictures ever.  Ever.

Nana wanted a nice picture with all her grandchildren in front of the tree and well ... it is very difficult to herd cats.  This series cracks me up.

(this is my favorite one!)

After all that, Evelyn was worn out.

The next day, Alexandra came over to play.

Maddie and Alec are both technophiles.  They love their iPads.  Here they are playing a matching game together.

I am so sorry I stopped this video 10 seconds too early.  At the end of the game Maddie turned to Alec and said "We did it Alec!"  It was so sweet.

We tried for another picture ... unsuccessfully.

We left that day to head back to St. Louis.  Thanks everyone for a wonderful trip!!