Polar Express

ALL ABOARD... that's right, we loaded our crew onto the Polar Express and took a ride to the North Pole. On the way there we got hot chocolate and watched the servers dance up and down the aisle. The conductor came by and punched our ticket and when we got to the North Pole, Santa was waiting for us. We were so excited when he loaded our car and gave us a special bell... just like the movie. We Believe! We took the special trip with the Scramm Clan and the kids really enjoyed getting to spend some time with cousin Kennedy. It will always be a special Christmas memory!

Our crew in jammies!

The kids waiting patiently, or as patient as 3 year olds can get.

Caleb's little hand reaching out for his bell.

When we got to the "north pole", Austin said, "Mama, where is the snow?"

Avery wasn't so crazy about Santa, but she enjoyed dancing with the "chefs" in the aisles.

If anyone is reading this and is wondering where we really went, we drove to Palestine to the Texas State Railroad. They do train rides around Christmas time that are based off the movie Polar Express. You can look up all the info online. Get tickets early - months in advance. From a parents perspective, I would think 4-5 would be a great age to go do this. Our kids really liked it, but Caleb was probably still a little to young to enjoy it.

Christmas with Granny G

We celebrated Christmas with Great Granny Grabarschick this past Sunday.

Austin and Dalton.

Granny gives the kids quarters to put in their piggy banks.


Avery loved getting to hold baby Mallory again.

Shaggy, Smelly Sheep

I can't remember the official name of the kids church Christmas program this year, but I can remember the name of one of the main songs - Shaggy, Smelly Sheep. It's one of those songs that plays over and over in your head and pops into mind at random times. Austin and Avery were two of those Shaggy, Smelly Sheep and they did a pretty good job of singing or at least we could see their mouths moving. After the program, the congregation proceeded outside to a live nativity scene, complete with camel, and sang Silent Night. It was a great way to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.

I didn't get too good of shots with my camera, but here are two of the most adorable sheep I have ever seen!

Gingerbread houses

Austin's house

Caleb's house
Avery's house

No Christmas season can pass without the infamous gingerbread house.... even with 3 toddlers. I must say that this was more Wes's idea than mine. When he mentioned it, I cringed. The thought of kids, construction, candy and icing made my stomach turn. I assumed my kitchen would be left a disaster and the kids would consume more candy than than what wound up on the houses. Well, it went better than I thought. After the Cub football game, we had the kids get in their jammies and then we all spent a little time in the kitchen building and decorating gingerbread houses. Overall the decorating went pretty well and as far as how much candy they ate... let's just say we brushed teeth right away.

Brenham Cubs play for State...

Avery & Elle Ehlert


Our view from the suite.

Well, the outcome wasn't what we were hoping for, but the Brenham Cub 4A football team had an amazing season and it ended with a loss at the state championship. With our schedule already pretty full for the holidays, we weren't real sure that we were up for everything required for us to make it to the football game, BUT the game was at Darrell K Royal stadium and we knew this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity - to see the Cubs play at UT's stadium - so we went. So glad we did... it was a great day for football. We met up with the Parkers and Ehlerts for pregame lunch. Also joining us was Matt Rutherford who still works for the football team and thanks to him we got to sit up in a suite. We started in a small room next to the Brenham coaching staff and I knew we needed to find a new spot when the coaches started trying to close the door because our kids were running in the hallway. Matt found us another place to go and let's just say we watched the game from one of the most prestigious suites in the stadium.
The Cubs fought until the very end. It would have been great to see them pull out a win, but you can't down play the amazing playoff season they have had.

Maurer/Rau/Siemsglusz Christmas

We are so blessed to have so many great friends, including the Raus and the Siemsgluszs. Maybe we get along so well because for all of us, the kids out number the parents (almost for the Raus). This year we got together and had a small Christmas party and let the kids exchange gifts. Austin loves when Kade comes over and Avery was so excited for the triplets to come over since she is so into babies. We had a great time and the parents even got to sit down and talk a little while... that doesn't happen often. Of course the most difficult feat of the night was getting a picture. It went better than I thought.

Yes, this is 8 kids under the age of 5 with one more on the way. Pretty sure the biggest this group is going to get is 9.

Avery got this great tutu. Adrienne (Siemsglusz) made it! She has a link on her blog if you'd like to order one.

Can't imagine what next year will be like when Addison, Bryce & Collin are walking. Watch out!

Christmas... full speed ahead

Ready or not, Christmas time is here. We have a full schedule these next 2 weeks, and we wouldn't want it any other way. We are excited about spending time with friends, visiting with family, and watching our kids faces light up as they open their presents. We will be sure to take time remember the real meaning of Christmas and celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. To everyone reading, we hope you have a joyous holiday season and are able to be with the ones you love. Merry Christmas!!!