Merry Main Street

We met the Millers on a Saturday night in Frisco Square for Merry Main Street. Santa was supposed to be sky-diving into the event, so that was the main reason that we went but the conditions were not good for sky-diving so we just ended up taking part in some of the activities down there. We got there really close to dinner time so everybody had some snacks while we waited for the sky-diving Santa. When we found out that was canceled Reese, Collin, Cate and Claire decided to ride the train. Brant isn't a big fan so he sat that one out. While Brian waited with Cate and Claire, Brant and I headed over with the Millers to check out the model train exhibit. All of the lights were beautiful and we had a nice evening out enjoying a little Christmas cheer.

Cate with Reese and Collin.

Mom and Dad with the kids--Brant enjoying his favorite food. Chips and Queso.

Got to love having cousins so close. We love doing things with the Millers.

Claire ringing the bell on the little train.

Cate taking her turn ringing the bell.

Cate loving her train ride.

Brant walking over to the model train exhibit with all the lights in the trees.

View of the main street through Frisco Square.

The Annual Visit To See Santa . . .

Every year I think "THIS is the year" that the kids will happily hop onto Santa's lap and tell him how good they have been and what they would like for Christmas. This year I thought Brant MIGHT sit on his lap and Cate probably wouldn't because she can be a little shy at first but that Claire was my best bet for the Santa experience. She seemed genuinely to look forward to meeting the jolly man in red. However, once again we ended up with a family shot because everyone was too nervous to go by themselves. Cate was actually the bravest and had a little conversation with Santa. Brant worked up enough courage to shake his hand and tell him wanted he wanted for Christmas. Surprisingly, Claire was the most afraid. It isn't the perfect family photo, but I was pretty satisfied with the result and everyone got to put in their requests to the North Pole.

Cate and I waiting in line. Luckily, we got there shortly before they opened and were second in line, so the wait was really short.

The set up at Willowbend is really cute. The kids loved the Polar Express display and walking through the giant snow globe. Here are Cate and Claire driving the train.

Enjoying the snow globe.

My two favorite guys in the snowglobe.

Claire in good spirits.

Cate getting sassy with Santa.

The Devlin Family with Santa. He was so patient and talkative with the kids that it made our experience really wonderful

Snow Day!!!

We very rarely get snow here in Texas in December, so it was very exciting to wake up to a blanket of white. Unfortunately, Brant had to go to school so he didn't get to play in the snow but the girls did get bundled up and headed outside for a little while. Cate was excited to check it out from the beginning and Claire was definitely hesitant, but as soon as she discovered the snowball fight she didn't want to come in.

Happy 40th Birthday G-Money!

Brian and I had such a fun time helping Greg celebrate his 40th birthday. Everyone checked into a hotel in Fort Worth and then we met for drinks at the White Elephant Saloon down in the stockyards. We had a little entertainment watching Dan'l ride a longhorn and then headed over to Lonesome Dove for an amazing dinner. Stephanie had reserved a private room and it was so nice having a fun dinner with all the people we love and the food was perfect! It was a great surprise when a cowboy hat was delivered to the birthday boy courtesy of Drew and Dan'l and we all got a kick out of wearing it for pictures during the evening. After dinner we headed over to Billy Bob's Texas to hear the Bellamy Brothers concert. Great night. Great friends.

The pride of Scurry, Texas showing off her skills. Go Dan'l!

Dalton and Christine at dinner. What a trooper Sissy is . . . Totally pregnant and hanging with the crew.

The Bellamy Brothers on stage at Billy Bob's.

Everyone at the Bellamy Brothers concert.

Christine and Bryant. So glad to have them back in Dallas from NYC.

Denise and Darryl.

My handsome husband and myself.

Me and JP. Besties forever.

Road Trip Back Home Via Memphis

We were not ready to head back to Dallas after being in Ohio just 4 days, but we had to be back in time for Brant to start school on Monday. The biggest downside to leaving on Friday was that I had to miss out on my cherished tradition of shopping the day after Thanksgiving on Black Friday. Oh well, I guess I'll be back in the saddle next year. We loaded everyone up and set out for Memphis. Our hotel location in Memphis was awesome. Right by the trolley track and a beautiful little square downtown. The kids loved being able to get out of the car and doing some exploring on foot. We walked over to the Peabody Hotel to watch the famous duck parade and that was a little crazy. The hotel looked gorgeous and was all decorated for Christmas, but we got there really close to time for the parade so it was super crowded. Some very nice people let Cate and Brant squeeze up to the front so they could see the ducks and I squatted behind them trying to get a few pictures. It was a cute event, although I really couldn't see very well at all. We did a little more sight-seeing on foot and then drove by Graceland and headed to Dallas. Unfortunately, Graceland was difficult to see from the street. There were a lot of trees and a giant nativity scene blocking the view. I would have loved to tour Elvis's home but the kids were just not up for being patient that long. On our way out of town we drove over the giant Mississippi River and the size really is breathtaking.

I wanted to include these few pictures of the kids. They aren't really doing much but I just think they are so beautiful. Look at those gorgeous faces . . . they must have gotten those looks from their daddy.

Claire Amelia

Brant Alan

Cate Caroline

Driving through Kentucky horse country.

The kids enjoying the square in front on the hotel. Claire MUST pick the flowers.

A view up Beale street. It would be fun to do without the kids.

A beautiful square in downtown Memphis.

The trolley.

This picture reminds me of Laverne and Shirley. I've got some silly girls.

Handsome Brant

Cate, dancing as usual. Absolute ham all the way.

Below: Cate and Brant watching the duck parade at the Peabody Hotel. Claire was a little restless, so she and addy tried to find another place to watch.

The Peabody Hotel. Decorated for the holidays and the ramp into the fountain ready for the ducks.

Below: Cate getting an up close look at the ducks swimming in the fountains.

Mommy and Cate in front of the HUGE Christmas tree.

Daddy and Claire sharing a laugh.

Streetview of Graceland.

The Mighty Mississippi River.

Thanksgiving in Ohio!

The whole Heffelfinger clan got together at a church for Thanksgiving dinner. It was so great seeing everyone and being together in one place. The church had a stage, piano and Christmas tree so the girls were in heaven especially our little ham, Cate. After a nice dinner, we went back over to Monga/Judy's house and some family stopped by that evening.

Brian with his Grandma Millie and Cate.

Brant and his cousin, Kaylan. She's all grown up from being the flower girl in our wedding 9 years ago.

All the little girls wanted to meet baby Helena--the newest arrival.

The kids "playing" the piano.

Below: Kaylan and the Foote girls. (Morgan, Kelsey, Reilley and Karyn)

Brian with his sisters, Karyn and Tracey.

Brian and I on Thanksgiving.

Megan and her mom, Kathy, with Brian and the girls.

Whew--All this activity can wear a girl out. My snuggle bunny, Claire with her infamous "blankie".