Matt and I celebrated a “just us” Christmas this year. NBC called for Matt’s service on Christmas eve and Christmas day so, needless to say we where home for the holiday. On Christmas eve we attended a late service at FUMC Grapevine. The service was beautiful and really helped it feel like Christmas. I had flashbacks of so many candlelight services as a child and adult, I was glad we attend one with Dean on his first Christmas. After the service we returned home to finish wrapping gifts and stuffing stockings…some how things were very last minute this year!
We enjoyed a VERY relaxed Christmas day. For the first Christmas EVER I stayed in my PJs all day long! We woke before Matt had to go to work and opened few presents. Thankfully Matt was able to come home from work early and we were able to enjoy an early Christmas dinner followed by gifts. We skyped with my parents and opened all the gits they sent back with us. I’m so thankful for such amazing technology, it was nice to be able to share the gift opening with them.
It was a wonderful Christmas holiday. Next year we plan to be home for the holiday but I’m sure a “just us” Christmas will be in our future again.
Dean had a whirl wind tour of Humble in which he met many of our family friends. First Dean and I visited the counseling office at Atascocita Middle school. It was nice to see my former co-workers and get to introduce Dean to my friends. On Tuesday, December 23rd Dean met the masses! Early in the afternoon my aunt and cousin came over to visit. We had a great visit Aunt Delores, Kim and AnElizabeth, it was so nice to see them while we were home. Later that evening Carla and my mother hosted a “Cookie Lookie” for the mothers club. The women were invited to meet Dean and share in some fun desserts and great wine. After the mothers club part was over Tom and Ann Gibbins came to meet the newest member of our family and then Dean and I went over to the Hopkins to visit with the Tucker family. It was a busy day of meet and greets but it was so nice to see everyone and have a chance to catch up.
Our time with the Hopkins began with date night. Ronny and Carla graciously volunteered to baby sit so Matt and I could go out for the evening with Jana and Derek. We enjoyed some yummy Chuy’s mexican food followed by bowling. I managed to bowl a less than stellar game but the rest of the gang did a great job. After the fun of dinner and bowling we returned to the Hopkins house to see Adam and Genie.
On Sunday Dean visited Atascocita UMC for the first time. It was so nice to see so many friends and introduce them all to Dean. We enjoyed the service and the opportunity we had to worship with our families. After church we headed to the Hopkins house for an early Christmas. It’s always fun opening gifts with your family. We were blessed with some amazing new toys and had a great time sharing our surprises with each member of the family. After gifts we enjoyed a wonderful Mexican dinner for which Grandma, Grandaddy and Uncle Dale joined us. Carla, Ronny & Genie really out did themselves, the food was delicious.
It’s always nice to get together with family and we especially enjoyed this Christmas with the Hopkins! Thank you, Ronny & Carla, for such a great day!
After arriving in Humble Dean and I headed to my mom’s school so we could take a few pictures with Santa. My mom had bribed Santa to hang around a few extra minutes so we could snap a few shots. Of course Dean was totally underwhelmed with the experience but I’m sure next year will be an entirely different ball game.
We enjoyed getting to see my family during “Family Dinner night”. Emma, Morgan and Logan were able to meet Dean. Emma was a little apprehensive once she was finally face to face with Baby Homer but quickly warmed up to him. Uncle Travis and Aunt Amanda also met Dean for the first time. I look forward to the day that Dean is old enough to run around with the rest of the kiddos, I know they will all have a blast together. My mom fixed a terrific dinner and we opened our special Christmas PJs.
It was nice to be home and together as a family. Emma, Logan and Morgan are changing so much Matt and I had a blast watching them share all they had learned since October.
On Dean’s first night in Humble his presence was requested at the annual Christmas gathering of the Bunco Babes! Matt’s mother has been gathering with the same group of women for 10 years and she was eager to show off her no. 1 grandson to all the women. Thanks Bunco Babes for letting us crash your party! Dean can’t wait to come back.