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

Morgan's Golden Birthday

Morgan had his golden birthday this year- turned eight on the 8th! On Sunday, his actual birthday, we had his favorite beer bread for breakfast. He also opened his gifts from the family. That night we watched home videos of him as a baby. On Monday, we did a joint party with Hayden at Pojo's. We had seven boys plus our family and the Jacksons. They ate pizza, drove bumper cars, played games, had cake, and opened gifts. Since it was a joint party, the boys opened matching gifts from all their friends. It was like a twin party!
 

A chemistry set from Papa Wes & GG

Decor for Morgan's room- Tolkien & Lewis, painted by a local artist

working on a chemistry project

Thanksgiving at Our House

We were so thankful this year to have Nathan & Jennifer with us for the holiday. It's been over two years since we saw them last! We had a great visit- thanksgiving feast, date night in downtown Boise, failed attempt to reach Bogus Basin (foiled by car sickness!), getting our tree, decorating, and opening gifts.

 Kids helping me prep homemade rolls

Watching Jennifer make chocolate dessert

 My first turkey

 The spread

 The table

 The post-Thanksgiving project: new school room furniture

 Getting our tree

Richard Clayderman playing; getting ready to decorate

 Random additional shot that we took last week for our Christmas card this year...