Christmas in Abilene....and a trip to Midland too!

Our big trip to Texas finally came...and went. We started off with an exciting day of flying- first time for the kids. They loved it, especially when they found out about the cookies and ginger ale served on each plane. Since we arrived in Austin, we spent our first night in Texas with Papa Wes & GG. The next morning we drove to Abilene to spend the first week of our stay. The kids started checking off all the usual fun stuff right away- children's museum, trampoline, ride in the back of Pepaw's truck, etc. In the middle of our week in Abilene, we also squeezed in a 24 hr trip to Midland. The Jones family graciously hosted a dinner for us with all our loved ones from church. We spent the night at the Williams' house, where we got in a good visit. The next day, we attended church and had lunch with the Smiths. Saying goodbye again was hard. Back in Abilene, we ramped up preparations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, even as sickness started to overtake first Matt and then the rest of us, one by one. Nevertheless, our time with family was precious and fun. And we're looking forward to hopefully hosting them this summer!

 Headed to their first flight

 The Christmas prep...

 making sugar cookies...

 visiting historic Buffalo Gap... having some old fashioned fun on the playground.

 ...and in the school house.

Saying good-bye to the Smith crew

 With our good friends