December fun

 Within a day or two of us returning from our Arizona trip, I found myself lugging out all my boxes of Christmas decorations.  The kids were dying to get it all out.  They were over the moon to be reunited with all their seasonal favorite noise makers, books and toys.  Johnny thought they were all pretty swell.

 We went with a little smaller tree this year, and it was so beautiful with all those lovely lights on it.  Johnny was his usual helpful self.  To my surprise, he really didn't mess with the tree--and I even made a point to tell the boys to put non-breakables at his height range.  The rest of the house, however....

 William had a nativity program at his preschool, and he was a shepherd.  He was acting super silly with his friend, Liam, standing next to him.  He knew all the songs and sang his little heart out.  Hand motions too.

 The leaves fell.  And kept falling.  It made for a super awesome leaf pile one afternoon, though.

 Since Dad and Ann were going to spend Christmas in St. Louis with her side of the family, they came down a couple weeks early to Austin to celebrate with our family and the Morans.  Ann and I had a fun bonding experience over getting our gingerbread houses to stay up!  After several collapses and lots of icing, they finally stayed put.  The kids had a delightful time adorning them with candy.  Will wanted to be Superman that afternoon.  It just added to the festiveness.

 We shared a lovely dinner together and then opened presents.  It looks like total mayhem.  Those kids have so much fun together.

Johnny, not to be outdone by the other kids, performed a drum solo.

This family photo is funny.  Poor Will hardly made it in.  And notice how tall Caroline is!!  She has passed me up for sure.  It was a special time with our family, and I'm so thankful Dad & Ann made the trip to come celebrate with us.

 Before Dad & Ann left for Houston, we made a little visit to Chuck E. Cheese's.  This is as close to Chuck as Will would go.  Johnny wouldn't go near.  The animatronic Chuck is a little creepy, I don't blame them.  Will still loved every minute.

 Happy Birthday, Steven!!!  38.  Best husband ever.  xxoo

 Johnny and his growing love and fascination for the awesomeness that is Yo Gabba Gabba.

 

 Throughout hunting season the men made a few trips out to Goldthwaite to try and claim a trophy.  One particular visit was especially brutal due to the thick layer of ice covering the ground and the frigid temperatures.  Zach still looks like he's having fun.  Right?

Hunter Steven.  He didn't get one this year, so look out 2014.