Emily's blog: Christmas 2010

The month of December flew by as it always does. We kept plenty busy with the usual routine and beyond; school parties, work parties and church parties. Kyle was extra busy at work. It was Christmas Eve day when he was finally able to come up for air--just in time to hit up The Houston Nutcracker Ballet, as is tradition for us now. Afterwards, and being rushed for time to get Christmas dinner and program on, we had the kids open their Christmas PJ's on the car ride home. I kind of liked that they were in their PJ's playing name-that-Christmas-tune all the way home. We typically have a fancy dinner on Christmas day. However, we figured we'd give ourselves one more day to eat leftovers as we were considering a spontaneous 13 hour drive "over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house" the day after Christmas.

Christmas morning began early. True to his word Ty was the first to be vertical. After claiming he didn't look at anything as he came down the stairs and couldn't help but pass the tree, he asked permission to wake the girls. Which he did while I grabbed stockings from the tree room to be brought into our room because I've decided that stockings get overlooked when pitted against Christmas presents. Jaden finally got the guitar she's wanted but doesn't get to quit piano. And if Ty was happy to get sharks (football cleats) then Kyle was beyond thrilled to gift them. As far as a favorite gift goes for Reese, it's a toss up between Disney Princess polly pockets and plastic high heels. Christmas day continued as lazy and relaxing. Around 2:00 o'clock we had our chocolates and piano books in hand as we arrived at our local rest home. There we were quite surprised to be greeted by some of our elderly friends from the previous year (a rare occasion). Miss Grace is one that stands out as our favorite Southern Belle, always dolled up with plenty to say. Both Jaden and Ty played their best piano pieces--Ty having only one that Jaden taught him. And yes, his feet can now reach the floor. Kyle planned to play two songs but Reese fell asleep in his arms. And I'm in charge of taking pictures. Maybe next year I'll have taught myself a song or two but if it's between that and finishing Reese's stocking, I'll most likely show up empty handed again at the rest home.

Back home we ate our Christmas Eve leftovers then sent the kids to pack their bags for our potential trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house in the morning. The decision to go was made while they slept. Kyle's work playing the large part as well as weather (our SUV was born and raised in Texas which means it's a Yukon with 2WD). The weather let up and we had dry road there and back. We always have the best time in St. Louis. We love having Grandma and Grandpa to ourselves. It's hard to compete for their attention with 9 siblings, their spouses and 40 grand kids at family reunions. We take full advantage of our time spent with them while at their home. Some highlights include: sleeping in daily while mom made pancakes for the kids. Sledding in their backyard; a trip to incredible pizza; a visit to the magic house; facials with Elle; karaoke in the basement; kids falling asleep together in front of the electric fireplace in the basement. Grandma Rowe playing the piano and Matthew pleading with her to stop playing the piano . . . the list goes on.

Houston Nutcracker Ballet on Christmas Eve day.

Jade and Ty thrilled and seated in what was nearly the highest seat in the theater.

Jaden on piano at the care facility.

Miss Grace. We would be so lucky to visit her again next year.

Just before this picture Miss Grace told Ty that she was going to make it to every flag football game he has this next year.

Below: We are off to St. Louis to visit Mom, Bob, Elle, Matthew and sweet Grandma Rowe for one week.

Petite and precious Grandma Rowe.

Here are all the ladies working tirelessly to put together Ty's Harry Potter Legos and Jaden's 3D white house, something we all enjoy.

The standoff. If I recall correctly, Matthew wasn't thrilled about the idea of the kids watching a movie (as usual). In an effort to impede, he placed himself directly between the TV and kids repeating, "You're not going to watch a movie!" To which Reese and Ty responded, "Yes we are, Matthew!" And back and forth it went. All in good spirit. My kids leave from mom's with a little more backbone then they arrived with. And you can see the top of Grandma Rowe's head in this pic where I am just sure she's wondering who's in charge of these yayhoos!