Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

We had very ambitious Christmas plans this year and weren't sure how it was going to turn out, but it was perfect. We were able to celebrate the season with a lot of family! We started a few days early with the McDaniel Christmas in Katy. We met at Babin's (a local seafood restaurant) then headed back to Mom & Dad McDaniel's house for gifts. I don't have a ton of pictures from that night, but...

Here is a picture of the boys posing with their new rifles! They were both so excited!

Next stop was NeeNee's house (Cindy's mom's) on Christmas Eve for lunch. Jeff was in town, so it was good to see him. We ate, chatted, and opened a few gifts. It's always fun to see the crew.

Robby, Dad, Jeff, Cindy, Sean & JoDee

After our bellies met capacity we got back in the car and headed to Elizabeth, LA. Robby's cousin lives there and it's a pretty central location for the family to gather. There are lots of little kids on that side of the family, so it's a pretty good time watching them wait with anticipation and then just going nuts with all the new toys! Collin, one of Robby's little cousins, opened up all of his gifts and apparently wasn't too pleased with the ratio of toys to clothes he received. He asked everyone, "What kid wants to open clothes on Christmas?" Nobody could argue there! Cutie!

Me, Blake, Sara, Sammy, Diana, Amanda, Matthew, and Robby

After dinner we made our way over to Poppa & Granny's (about 30 min away) for the night. We made it to an early church service on Christmas morning. I randomly ran into an old friend from my first job out of college. Small world. We helped Granny with a HUGE lunch and then gift time! (Gosh we were spoiled this year - thanks everyone including Santa!)

Robby with Poppa and his new Thermacell (hope it keeps those mosquitoes away!)

Granny opening gifts with Sammy and Diana

Uncle Steve, Kristen, Charlotte, and Heather looking through an album

Sammy with Poppa's new dream trophy

Natalie and Taylor

Uncle Scott and Neil

A few of the girls

We headed home Friday afternoon in time for an annual Hale tradition. Each year Sean and JoDee hold a little hay ride though their very well lit neighborhood. You truly would not believe the amount of lights the entire neighborhood puts up all over their homes, yards, common areas, etc. We were one of several hay rides that night and we have to admit we were quite impressed!

Josh and Makenzie flew to San Antonio (Makenzie's grandparents, aunt and uncle live there) for the holiday, and since they were SO close we had to go see them. Mom, Steve, Robby, and I drove over Sunday afternoon to eat and chat. It was really good to see them and so hard to leave them.

Josh & Mak Attack on the River Walk

Mr. & Mrs.

Steve, Mom, Makenzie, and Josh

Nate, Joni, Makenzie, and Josh

We had a great time over the holiday. I wish we could have spent more time with everyone, but it was definitely good to spend a little with EVERYONE. We are so grateful for our family and friends.

Happy Birthday Robby!

28 years ago today my handsome man was born.

Love you!

GO TIGERS and Friendship Baptist Church

After the baby shower Saturday morning we made our way to Robby's old stompin' grounds - Rice University (GO OWLS!). Katy was up against the Unicorns (New Braunfels High School). It was a tough battle, but as expected Katy pulled through and will be going to STATE next weekend in San Antonio. They play Abilene for the title, so keep Matthew and the other Tigers in your thoughts!

Final Score 14-6, KATY! The weather wasn't beautiful, but the W-I-N was!

The players celebrating after the game.

Matthew & Amanda - look at those smiles

After the game we headed down I-10 to Pappa and Granny's house. Pappa donated some money to help build a new Friendship Baptist Church, and this weekend was the grand opening! Almost all of the family was there. I think it was the first time ever that all of the beds in Granny and Pappa's house were full. The church is beautiful and so was the dedication service. The whole town turned out. They had TONS of delicious food and desserts. It was a busy weekend with lots of driving, but it was really nice to have so much family in one place all at the same time.

Emmie, Heather, and Pappa dressed and ready for the dedication

Cake with a picture of the old (upper right hand picture) and new church (lower left hand picture)

Uncle Scott, Pappa, Granny, Uncle Steve, and Sammy

Robby forcing me to act up in church :)

Pine Ridge Quartet

I am going to see if I can post a video we took of these men singing. They were absolutely amazing. Our favorite was the man on the right. His voice could go SO low.

Baby Hale

On Saturday JoDee's mom and sisters held a baby shower for the mom-to-be and baby Hale. The food was AMAZING (JoDee, if you're reading this, I need to get the quiche recipe from you. YUM!) and she received lots of precious baby gear. Here are a few pictures from her day:)

Food Table! Mini cupcakes from Ooh La La Bakery:)

JoDee posing with the boppy pillow she received from Grandma V.

Some of the family (NeeNee, Lisa, Gina, Pam, and Elizabeth)

Whistling Wings

Haribo & Maple watching their new favorite show (If you can't tell, that is a goose they are 'watching').

I promise I will soon post about something other than my dogs, but lately they have just been really cute.

Funny Maple Pup

I have been taking Maple to Petsmart training classes for a little social interaction each week. She has been doing very well and has made lots of new puppy friends. Tonight we practiced "come here." So the trainer put each dog on a long leash and took the dogs down an aisle in the store. From the training room I told Maple to "come here"... nothing... I said it again ... nothing. I heard the trainer talking to Maple, so I peeked around the aisle to see why she wasn't listening to me. Turns out my little shoplifter snagged a big fluffy toy off the shelf and had better things to do than listen to me! The trainer took the stuffed animal from her mouth and tried to hide it behind his back. That just made her sit and act super cute for it. I showed her a treat and finally she came running. Next week I will try to take some pictures of Maple's new friends to share.

It's snowing!

Can you believe it? I just went downstairs with a bunch of co-workers and it's true! Nothing is sticking of course, but I'll take it!

Update-I just came home for lunch to let the pups take a quick potty break. Check out the pictures! It's actually coming down harder now:)

Lemons!

Remember these? They are finally ripe enough to use, and they are delicious! I have never enjoyed using lemon as much as I have in the past few weeks :) I can't wait until our other fruit produces (cross your fingers). We will have pears, plums, satsumas, and pecans for everyone!