Dashing Through the Snow

Christmas Eve was so incredibly special this year for a host of reasons not the least of which was the fact that it snowed. For most of the day. And, yes, we were still in Central Texas. :-)

Dave and I got up early that morning and headed to the gym to burn some last minute calories so we could enjoy the spread my mom and grandmother prepared for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Let's just say that we don't deprive ourselves during the holidays...

Anyway, after getting gussied up after the gym we headed down to my mom's house for presents and party food. Aunt Anna, of course, was there snapping away with her snazzy camera...

My mom read the meaning of each candle in the advent wreath...
...while Dave and Tay lit the candles...
...with Maw Maw and Bailey watching on....
...in front of Nana's revamped Christmas tree. Isn't it pretty?
A certain someone was a bit camera shy this day, which was ok because the lighting at Nana's house didn't really gel with either my or Aunt Anna's cameras...
This was about as good as it got...
This look is apparently genetic...
After enjoying a great afternoon of family time, we headed home and the snow really started coming down. In fact, when we got home, our little house looked just like this...
Miss Tay decided it was absolutely necessary to play in the snow which, of course, it was...
Snow actually got a smile out of her. Who knew?
The puppy posse decided to get in on the fun...
Can you tell Bo likes the cold about as much as Dave does?
After attending Candlelight Service at church (together, as a family - thank you, Jesus!) and building the previously mentioned gingerbread Christmas tree, Miss Tay sprinkled reindeer food in the yard so they would have something to munch on while Santa was inside.
New robe, jammies and boots received as gifts all had to be worn at the same time for this task...
We prepared a veritable feast for the big guy - cookies (without nuts - you did see Prep and Landing, right, Mom?), carrots for the reindeer and milk complete with snowman marshmallows in the s'mores mug. 

You'll also notice a card and note left for Santa in the photo. We gave Miss Tay some personalized stationery for Christmas and she absolutely loved it. So much, in fact, that Santa got more than one note. She asked for - and received - Santa's autograph again. I loved that one of them began with "Dear Santa, I'm so glad you decided to stop at this house..."
This girl cracks me up and makes me smile every day of the week. While she was mad at me after this morning's elbow rehab session and wouldn't speak to me all the way to school, I'm counting on her 'tween hormonal shift to have her laughing and cracking jokes again when I pick her up this evening. 

Please, Lord?!?!

Happy weekend to you, my friends - stay warm and enjoy time with your peeps :-)