Christmas Celebrations, part 3

Our last Christmas celebration was in Katy, to visit the Dotsons.

We arrived Friday, and after lunch at the club we headed home to have a relaxed afternoon.  Stephen and I met up with some of his high school friends Friday night, and the rest of the time was spent with family.  

Knox loved getting as close as possible to the tree.  He even tried to put his dump truck in it.  Thankfully he didn't break any ornaments.

Mimi got Knox some Christmas pj's that he wore Christmas Eve.  He looked so cute!  They also spoiled him and let him open a gift on Christmas eve.  He got a sit n' spin...remember those?  He's a little afraid of it right now, but I know he'll love it once he's older.

Christmas morning Stephen and I got Knox up and we headed downstairs to see his reaction.  I love how excited he was to see all of us, and his presents.  So sweet!

He was spoiled rotten.  Books, trucks, cars, racetracks, clothes, puzzles, and his big present:  a slide.  He has way more than he knows what to do with.

Him going "ooohhhh."

Unfortunately, it was raining all weekend.  Papa brought the fun inside, though.  They had wagon rides and bike rides in the house.  Knox loved it, contrary to his expression.

He watched plenty of movies in bed with Mimi and Papa...he also was naughty and jumped on their bed :)

While we were there, we were able to attend a little Christmas party with some of the Dotson's friends and golfing buddies.  It was nice to get dressed up since we spent most of the weekend in comfy clothes.

The hosts had their grand-daughter Blakely  in town from NYC.  She's almost 2.5, and loved "helping" Knox and playing with him.  They snuck off at one point and had a dance party.  I was able to snap a few pictures while they were shaking it...and falling from spinning too much.

We had a great time.  Now we are having the "post-holiday blues."  

Tomorrow I turn the big 3-0.  Time is moving too quickly!

Christmas Celebrations, Part 2

With our first Christmas celebration in Austin, this weekend marked #2.

Friday night we headed to dinner with our playgroup friends and spouses at Patrizio's.  Yummy food, hilarious people, KID-FREE...always a good time.

Saturday, we had a birthday party for one of Knox's neighborhood friends and then lounged around the house.  That night, we ventured out to Stephen's tennis club's Christmas party.  They had dinner, a bonfire to make smores, and hayrides to see all of the Christmas lights.  I didn't take any pictures, but we had a blast.

Early Sunday morning, the girls met at Breadwinners to say goodbye to sweet Ashley.  We obviously eat our way through celebrations.  We are so excited for the Williams and their new adventure, and we can't wait to visit them in Katy.

Finally, Sunday night we decided to have our family Christmas here at the house.  While Knox was napping Stephen and I exchanged our gifts.  He got me a Nook Color (which I love!), and I got him a home beer brew kit.  He's got a lot of work until the final product, but we're both excited to see if we can make a good brew!

Once Knox woke up we surprised him with his gift...a tool workbench and battery-operated tools.  He was so excited.  My parents got him a BBQ grill like daddy's for xmas, and he's been making us burgers and hot dogs all week.  Now we get hot dogs and nuts and bolts.  Yum.  He loves making the drill turn and the saw make noise.

Apart from stepping on all of the small pieces, it's been a great couple gifts.  He loves playing and acting like a big boy!

On Friday we'll be with the Dotsons, so Part 3 is coming your way!!

Christmas Brunch

One year ago, I was invited to my first playgroup with these amazing girls and their babies.  It's crazy to think that it's been a year, and also crazy to see how much the kids have changed. 

These girls (and their kids) are so special to Knox and I.  They are an amazing sound board for all of the "am I doing this right?" moments, and great support systems in this new journey of motherhood.  I'm so very thankful for each and every one of them!

This playgroup was also the last one (tear) for Ashley and Alex.  Knox loves Alex, and Ashley has become such a sweet friend.  We are very sad to see them go, but I'm selfishly excited to gain a new Houston friend for Knox when we visit the Dotsons.  We are so excited for them, and the start of this new chapter.

Now, onto the pics!  Here is our group last year at the Christmas brunch:

 And now this year.  Of course my child is the only one freaking out:

Crazy to think all of them sat on the couch together.  We are still missing three, we'll have to take another when Ashley comes back to visit!

Lizzy hosted this time, and even put out her Christmas china for us.  Schmancy!

Ashley and Alex...we'll miss you!!

Kampen Christmas

While we were in Austin for the work Christmas party, we went ahead and celebrated Christmas.  It's hard to get everyone together these days, so we jumped at the chance.

Olivia and Mackenzie were in love with their new pj's:

Knox loved "rocking" Holt:

Dad loved making "snow" with the girls to play in:

And Conner loved crashing the big girl's play time under the coffee table:

We all loved celebrating Natalie's birthday after dinner:

And even more that we got to celebrate a HEISMAN WINNER!!!

My family is such a blessing to me...I'm so thankful we were able to all celebrate together!  And, it doesn't hurt that my mom is a mean cook and did the whole Christmas dinner.  I'm still full.

p.s. I promise to never leave my good camera at home again.  Terrible quality.

Company Christmas Party

I work for my dad, as does my sister and both my brothers.  Not only did we have a fun company Christmas party, but it was a mini-family reunion as well.  We are blessed.  

My father has worked extremely hard, faced many trials and rough patches, and is now seeing the rewards of all of his efforts.  All of the employees comment on how amazing it is to work for my dad.  This makes me so proud, and I couldn't agree more.  God is so good.

The KGI Christmas party was held at the Barton Creek Resort and Spa.  What a beautiful venue!  It was decorated for Christmas and they did a great job.  We took quite a few pictures in front of the tree...pretty cute!  I'm REALLY bummed that I forgot my good camera.  Excuse the poor quality of my point and shoot...

Such a cute picture of my parents and Knox

Aren't they adorable in their festive reds??

The party was catered to all ages.  There were about 10 kids at the party, so they had caricature drawers and balloon artists to entertain them.  Later we had the adult "White Elephant" gift exchange.  Pretty funny.

Knox loved his sword.  Always a pirate :)

Stephen had to stay in Dallas to compete in his end of the season tennis tournament (which he won-undefeated the entire season!!), so Knox and I are the only ones represented in this gem.  Doesn't look anything like us, but it's still cute!

Christmas Crafting, part dos

I hosted playgroup this week, and following with the "Pinterest Craft Challenge," we made reindeers with the kids feet.  I will say this: Feet are no different than hands when it comes to paint and my child.  There were tears.  And snot.  But we did it!

I decided to make some reindeer cookies for the kids, to keep with the theme.  I thought they turned out cute...

And Cortland made his first playgroup appearance.  Rachel was brave enough to tackle the drive with a newborn, and we're thankful we got to see him (and maybe even smother him a bit!).

Once the kiddos had eaten their lunches, the crafting commenced.  We had quite the assembly line going, and for the most part all of the crafts turned out and no children were harmed.

And our final product: