Christmas in Paris, TX

We spent the weekend before Christmas in Paris with Aaron's family. The whole gang was there including Aaron's grandparents, Irv and Wanda. Unfortunately we were late arriving as our van just happened to break down just before reaching Paris. Quite the adventure. The boys were very excited to play with their cousins and to see the large stacks of presents awaiting them.

Yep. Jason's head always seems to appear whenever he is near someone taking a photo.
Emily and Eric played well together. It was hard to take a picture of them because they both move so much. This was the only photo that wasn't a blur.
Aaron's Grandfather gave each of the Hayes children and the grandchildren an old pocket watch from his collection. It was a very special gift. Some of the watches have been in the family a while and others had a story related to them. Here is Aaron showing Nicholas his pocket watch.
Here are the Coles preparing to start the unwrapping frenzy.
What, nice smiles and hugs? Are they really brothers?
The next day we enjoyed a delicious Pork Roast prepared by Rob and Aaron's Mom. We also celebrated Corgan's third birthday, which happens to fall on Christmas Day.

Part II Christmas in Paris,TX

Fun family snapshots.

Carter Preschool Christmas Party

Tammie had the stressful responsibility of planning and executing the Christmas Holiday Party at Carter's preschool. She worked hard to get the activities, goodie bags and games prepared and ready to go. The party went off without a hitch (of course) and a good time was had by all. Santa even showed up for the festivities. Carter was very shy and decided that he did not want to sit on Santa's lap. Luckily Santa sought Carter out and spoke with him briefly.


Here is Carter in his Transformer's pajamas. Smiling while making a delicious Christmas tree.
Gift exchange managed by Carter's instructor, Ms. Becki.
Carter with his gift, a soft green blanket.
Santa spending some quality time with Carter.

Visiting Santa

Nicholas wanted to speak with Santa regarding his wish list for Christmas (I think he really wanted to be sure that he got what he is wanting on Christmas morning). Carter on the other hand is not a big fan of Santa and would much rather play at the water fountain than spend quality time with the big guy. Eric, well... is Eric. He didn't care either way. It has been a couple of years since our last photo with Santa (yes, we're bad parents). To make up for this fact we spent ample time in line....more on this below.
The two and a half hour wait in line was worth this priceless photo, wouldn't you say? The boys were really good and didn't complain at all. Aaron did whine a little. He kept saying that when he was young he didn't have to wait in line to visit Santa. Think about it Aaron, that was in CEDARVILLE!!!!!

Nicholas latest hobby

Is taking LOTS of pictures of his Star Wars Lego. We had to narrow down some of the pictures to be posted. We are letting him use our old camera since we bought a new one this year. But he may be getting his own camera soon. Nicholas loves to go on the Lego website and watch the short films that other people have made. He wants to do one. Yikes!!

Third Grade Christmas Program

The night began with the story of the snow family. They made snowflakes for the program.
This was the finale. Can you find Nick?
Nicholas rocking out during his five minute drum solo. Just kidding!! My son kept the beat in time.

Nicholas' school buddies Connor and Giovonni.
My parents and little sis were able to come to the program. All the kids did a great job!!!

Some fun pics

Eric wants to be a clone trooper. Just like his big brothers. Sometimes he wants to be like his Daddy. Mr. Fix It.
Everyday Buddy the Elf finds the coolest place to hang out.
This was taken on Dec. 1st we went to the Holiday Christmas tree lighting in NRH with my sisters and her kids. When these kids were younger they enjoyed having their picture taken. Now that they are older it's not so fun. At least Frosty is smiling:)
This past weekend Aaron and his Scout troop went camping. They had loads of fun even though it was cold (temps in the high 30's, wind chill in the 20's). They went to Dinosaur Valley and went hiking at night for the first time.

Playtime with Friends

I watched my friends three kids while she went to scout with her two older boys. Dallin, Kimberly and Brittany came over to play with Carter and Eric. It was so nice because they all get along very well. Carter and Dallin were playing Battlefront II.
Time to play house.
Kimberly couldn't wait until Eric moved to go through the house.

Eric is showing Kimberly how to shoot the water gun.
She is a sweet little girl. When I would hold her Eric would get upset and wanted to be held also. I wish I could have gotten the picture of Eric giving Kimberly a big hug. It was so sweet. They were both hugging each other.

Christmas decorations

Christmas lights on our home. We added the green and red bulbs to our garage lights. I did make a new wreath for our front door but you can't see it in this picture. Aaron did the lights of course. He did a good job. This is my birthday present from my in-laws. I really like this Nativity. Last year they started the set. It's been a nice multi year gift. Soon it will be completed. I can't wait!! In the spirit of Christmas I added the garland with lights.

Our living room all festive. We did buy a new musical snow globe and a singing christmas tree that dances near the fire place. The kids love playing with them. There is more decor around the house.
Buddy the Elf visits with us every year on December the 1st and leaves on Christmas Eve to help Santa.
Eric got a hold of Buddy. Buddy's nose may never be the same.

I had a Wonderful Day!

Yesterday was my birthday and I had a wonderful day! I went to my friends house to make some homemade Christmas gifts with a bunch of other girlfriends. It was so much fun. My friend Aubri is so creative. I would show you pictures of them but some of you may get them. After that some of my good friends all went to Chili's for my birthday lunch. Eric and Carter came along with the other kids. Here is my best friend Mia and her daughter Emily. Mia organized the luncheon. She did a great job. Thank you!!!
My friends Trina and Melissa with their cute boys.
Nancy with her two girls Kimberly and Brittany. Cute girls!
I'm very lucky to have good friends that took the time to celebrate my birthday. We had a blast! I also want to thank everyone who called to wish me a happy birthday. Check my next post for my special gifts.

My Special Gifts

#1 Nicholas made me this birthday card. He taped his clone trooper to the card. The inside of this card is also really neat. He such a sweet kid.

#2 Another sweet kid of mine name Carter drew a picture of me :)
My sweet and loving husband had planned a scavenger hunt for me to find my gift when he got home from work. Well, that didn't happen. I found this piece of paper behind this candle while I was on the phone. I pulled it out and read a rhyme telling me where to go for my next location. Anyways, I ended up finding my gift. I had so much fun!!!!!
#3 This is my gift. The Promise of Love figurine by Willow tree. I love it!
Aaron and I went out to dinner and saw a movie that evening. We had a enjoyable night. I'm very lucky to have a wonderful husband and kids. I love them dearly! I get to celebrate my birthday again on Sunday with my Mom, Dad and sisters. I'll be posting pictures of our Christmas decorations and a Nativity that I got from Aaron's parents. So keep checking the blog.