Christmas in Texas

We traveled to Texas this year to celebrate Christmas with Mike's family. Thanks to Lee (Mike's dad), we were able to cut a 12 hour trip down to three as he offered to come pick us up in his plane. It was a very smooth flight. Mike sat up front with his dad while Abby Kate, Junah and I sat in the comfy middle seats. We landed in no time at a small airport near Tyler, waited for Bill (Mike's younger brother) to arrive, and then drove to the Wallace's ranch where the rest of the family greeted us. Abby Kate was quickly passed around to everyone, meeting Mike's brothers and sisters-in-law for the first time.

We went to church the morning of Christmas Eve. After the service, we had Abby Kate christened. She cried the whole time! It was out of character for her to do that considering she sat quietly through the entire hour-long service just before that. Oh well. We went back to church that evening for the candlelight service. Again, AK was an angel and didn't make a peep. I was so glad. It was hard to concentrate on the message while worrying about my infant making a scene.

We came home and opened gifts after that. Everyone gave such great things! My favorite gift this year was what my dear husband gave me... Ballroom Dancing Lessons!!! Isn't he thoughtful?! The best part about the gift is that he'll be learning with me. We have four "learning" sessions and several [dancing] "parties" set up for us. Thanks, honey! I can't wait.

Abby Kate had a nice first Christmas, I think. Of course she doesn't have a clue about the importance of Jesus' birth or of family togetherness, but I think she enjoyed the change of scenery nonetheless. I look forward to next Christmas when she'll be walking and talking and helping with the tree and ripping into wrapping paper!

Thanks again to the Wallaces for such a nice holiday!

AK with Daddy, getting ready for her first plane ride!
Me and AK, getting ready to board. Junah has already boarded, as you can see. He's poking his head out to make sure we're coming.
This picture cracks me up. This is as we were taking off. She's like "Wheeee, Mommy, I'm flying!" Of course in reality she never knew we left the ground.
AK meets Aunt Beth (Matt's wife)
AK meets Aunt Amber. (CJ's wife. They're expecting baby boy Luke in March!)
AK with Grandma Wallace.
AK with Grandpa Wallace, both tired from a long day of traveling. Grandpa entertained her with her singing dog (a gift courtesy of Grammy and Pawpaw Carnes).
AK meets Uncle Bill.
AK meets Uncle CJ.
AK meets Uncle Matt.
I was sad to see that she did not like her Christmas outfit. :)
After the christening.
The boys entertain.
Ginger and Lee treated the girls to a full day at the spa. We each had a massage, a facial, a pedicure and manicure. So relaxing! I started missing AK toward the end, though. It was the longest I'd spent without her. But it was nice to have a few hours to do something just for myself without having to worry about her. Thanks to all the guys for babysitting!