Merry Christmas!

Christmas this year was especially joyful. I just love this time of year! When else can we see all of our favorite people in one trip and reflect as a family on the birth of Jesus?

Erik and Tex, ready for gifts

Our Christmas events started on Friday, Dec. 21. Erik likes to open our presents to each other before we go to Dallas, so this was our night to exchange gifts. It's always relaxed, and we go at our own pace.

Erik and I have different approaches to Christmas gifts. I like to buy a few bigger items for him, and I always stick to the budget. Erik, on the other hand, likes for me (and the dog, and this year our unborn son) to have LOTS of things to open and does NOT stick to the budget. I never end up minding, though. :)

Even though I didn't feel like an unborn baby needed gifts, Erik had a few things wrapped for him under the tree. It was so sweet to open each one and know that he had picked each one out for his little boy. What a great daddy!

Reed got a set of bibs, a Baylor football and a pair of camo, John Deere boots - all of he and his Daddy's favorite things (eating, Baylor football and man boots). Perfect!

Bibs, a Baylor football and boots from Daddy

Reed's camo, John Deere boots from Daddy

On Saturday, we drove up to Dallas to go to my roommate Jeana's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and so great to spend time with some of my best friends. 

Then, on Monday, we went to Arlington to celebrate Christmas with Erik's mom, grandma and Mike. It was great to spend time with them - especially Grandma Keith.

With Grandma Keith and Erik's mom, Gin

We rounded the Christmas holiday out with Christmas Eve service at First Baptist Richardson (complete with candles and singing - my favorite moment of the season) and Christmas morning with my parents and grandma at home. Dallas even got a few inches of snow, so we had a very rare white Christmas.

We were showered with love and such sweet gifts, especially for Reed. He is one spoiled little boy already. Grandmama and Grand Mike gave him a chair. Grandma and Grandpa gave him a moose pillow pet, a new blanket and his baby book. The Owens got him a cool crinkle moose. And GeeGee got him his Sleep Sheep! He will love all of them!

The day after Christmas, we drove to Prosper to take our niece and nephews to the Dallas World Aquarium. That's enough for a new post, though. More to come...