Between Christmases

Thankfully Kevin took the week off between family gatherings, so I was still able to get my work done while Augie was entertained. And we were both able to get a few projects taken care of as well as enjoy our first date night in almost a year, I know, pretty pitiful. It's always a nice, relaxing change of pace to have him home with us! But before we knew it, it was time to load everyone back up and head north for a couple of family gatherings.

I had a fun time integrating Augie's new toy stash with his existing collection

While Kevin got busy making his famous cookies!

Augie stayed pretty self-entertained

and THANKFULLY napped most of the way to north Texas!

Gupton Family Christmas (celebration #1)

The weekend before Christmas we typically get together with Kevin's family for our annual holiday gathering. Keeping with the tradition this past Saturday, we loaded up the car and drove down to Floresville for a weekend of Christmas splendor.

After feasting for most of the afternoon, we finally got around to opening presents Saturday evening. Perhaps we waited too long, or August was just overwhelmed with the multitude of packages with his name on them, but whatever the reason, August just wasn't really in the mood to open gifts. After somewhat patiently waiting for the gifts to be passed around, he decided enough was enough and he would much rather go snack on some crackers ("cackos") in the kitchen with Uncle Craig. He would occasionally re-enter the room long enough to play with some wrapping paper or ribbon, and then sneak back to a dark bedroom to jump on the bed. So after most everyone had their turn, we decided it was time to open up his gifts for him. He seemed moderately interested, but did let out an audible squeal when he laid eyes on his big, green recycling truck. After most of the commotion subsided, and the mounds of paper picked up, he snuggled up into his KayKay's chair so that they could read some of his new books.

After a restful nights sleep, we awoke early on Sunday ready to play! A good portion of the day was spent playing outside with cousins Catherine and Renee, with only a few breaks inside for meals and a nap. 

Right before the sun started to set, Kevin thought it would be fun for all of us to check out one of the local city parks. Leaving the grandparents and great-grandparents to nap, we loaded up and caravanned to the other side of town for some serious playing. There was your typical playground mayhem, followed by large scale log climbing, capped off with some baseball field trespassing for a game of base-frisbee, or something like that...

We had a wonderful weekend filled with family and playing, but when Monday came around it was time for everyone to get back to business. So we took our time cramming all of this years spoils into the car, and ran into town to say one last goodbye to Augie's KayKay at her work. After a big round of hugs, and a brief lesson in Zoology, it was time to get back in the car and head home. But not without stopping at the local greasy spoon for some nourishment of course.

Good Tidings

May we all take time to reflect on the blessing that is the true meaning of this day

And the angel said to them, "...I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:10,11

Right Down Santa Claus Lane...

My family has the tradition of going to visit the amazing Santa Claus at Northpark Mall in Dallas every year. My nieces and nephews have been raised to believe that he is the one and only Santa, all of the other guys dressed in red at the other malls are just his helpers. Last year we were able to get all of the cousins together for our annual visit. We were planning on doing the same again this year, but due to time constraints, and Milo's impending arrival, we came to the conclusion that a joint visit was not going to happen this year. Seeing that I could not deprive our Santa lover his time with the jolly old man, I decided to swallow my stubborn pride and take him to one of Santa's local helpers. I got him all dressed in his dapper little tie and headed to the mall right after it opened. Now in Dallas we know that it is going to be an all day waiting affair, so we arrive with a strategy. This time around, I was less than prepared to walk into the mall and see a line of toddlers and their mom's waiting for the big man to show. I should have known.

After waiting for over 45 minutes with a hungry, squirmy Augie, we were the next in line when he decided enough was enough. Our poor little guy had been patient long enough, he wanted nothing more than to escape underneath the velvet rope and hitch a ride on the circling train. But I said 'no'. Apparently that is the worst thing that I could have said as a monumental meltdown quickly ensued. Of course being the stubborn youngest child that I am, we were not going to back out of that line now. So I took my screaming toddler up to the somewhat small Santa impersonator to get his photo made. They kindly asked me to sit next to them in hopes that it would calm the tantrum, but to no avail. So with no negotiations, I threw Augie up on his lap and ducked beneath the camera for a couple of solo shots. Then in all of my stealth I whisked him away before anyone knew what just hit them.

Of course I'm a little disappointed that our photos do not show the true enthusiasm for Santa that Augie has right now, nor will we be winning any awards for the most lovable Santa photos of the year. But at least we got a photo to add to our collection, and it's an entertaining way to remember our 'almost' terrible twos.

Call me a Santa snob, but I think this guy looks more like the head elf than the big man himself.

Zilker Tree

During our first couple of holiday seasons in Austin, Kevin, Lilly dog, and I frequently took advantage of being within walking distance of the Trail of Lights. Since the tradition has been cancelled due to budget constraints, and the activities scaled down to just the Zilker tree (gas light strung with christmas lights), we've quit making much effort to head down there. But this year, since August is aware of the special season, and in such awe of Christmas lights, we decided we needed to make a point to visit the tree. So under a recent full moon, I joined our gang for an extended evening walk down to the tree.

We couldn't have picked a perfect time to go! It was a bit brisk, and being that it was a school night, there were just a handful of other families joining us. August couldn't wait to unbuckle his stroller straps and run underneath the giant cone of lights. He spent the majority of his time running with his arm raised high pointing above his head. Occasionally he would just stop and smile in awe of the multitudes of glowing bulbs. While I stayed back with the dogs, Kevin chased our little light admirer all around the premises and of course took him to the center for a spin around the base. 

It was a wonderful family outing that will undoubtedly become another Gupton family tradition.

Meet Milo!

Baby Milo is the newest addition to my sister's family. He arrived happy and healthy on December 15th, Momo's birthday. He came just in time to celebrate his first Christmas with big brother Noah, older sister Emeri, and the rest of our gang!

 Momo and all FIVE grandkids on her birthday!

Decking our Hall...

I do love everything about Christmas time. Usually I wait until the weekend after Thanksgiving to turn on the holiday tunes and to pull out the decorations. But this year I couldn't help myself, I put them up earlier. Not sure if it's because August is so much more fun and alert this year, or if we were just taking advantage of some free time. Whatever the underlying reason, I love having the house decorated for the holidays! The glow of the lights from the tree adds such a lovely warmth to our family time in the evenings. 

Role Reversal

spied: Santa (head) and Augie in deep conversation