SNOW!

It snowed at Grammy's today. Everett really enjoyed watching the snow fall out of the sky.

ICE!

After driving home from Granbury, all eight of us plus Grampy, headed up to Gaylord Texan in Grapevine for some winter "ICE" fun! We were provided with calf-length, hooded winter coats to keep us warm for the fridig 9 degree climate.

ICE! is an attraction at the Gaylord, featuring "How The Grinch Stole Christmas!"

The wreath behind Donato, Ev & Chad is ice!

Yes, it's ALL ice!

Everett looked so cute in his parka.

He reminded us of Boo from Monsters Inc

and Donato reminded me of Sully.

:o)

Everett wasnt allowed to go down the slide on our laps, so instead went all by himself (even though the minimum age was 4 years old). :)

He LOVED it and we all cheered!

Here comes uncle Dodo...

& Mommy!

We were glad Grampy decided to come along.

Nativity scene

We decided not to buy the $15 group pic they were selling. Instead I took a picture of my moms purchase. :) Thanks Mom.

A fabulous time and another great memory with the fam!

Christmas in Granbury

Deona, Everett, Chad and I arrived at The Lodge of Granbury around 11:45 a.m. on Christmas Eve. Shortly after, Mom, Dad, Tammy & Donato arrived. Thankfully, it was before the roads started to freeze. Everyone worked together to make our condo festive.

Deona prepared homemade salsa for the tamales. Eating tamales on Christmas Eve is a tradition for our family.

After lunch, dad, Donato & Deona drove to the store for groceries. When they returned, the sky and ground were covered in snow.




Tammy unpacking groceries.

After naps, we woke up to exchange gifts and to have our traditional White Elephant gift exchange.

Mom opened a package cleverly decorated with duct tape and filled by Chad. The package contained all of Chad's favorite things. Dr. Pepper, Aviator sunglasses, Ramen noodle soup, and much more!

Dad stole the Tampax box from Deona. :) The box contained a leather pouch which contained four bicentennial coins.

Deona opened a lovely (not) poinsettia center piece. We decided to leave the lovely on the kitchen window sill, as a parting gift.

After our White Elephant exchange, Ev started opening his gifts. He received so many thoughtful gifts. I'm not sure where we're going to put everything.

Deona opens a sweet gift for Emilia, from aunt Mary & uncle Fred. Thank you, it's super-duper adorable!

Everett received a package all the way from Australia. Thank you Sal, Tracie, Benny & Ethan!!! Everett LOVES all the goodies you sent him.

After opening gifts, aunt Tammy reads a book she bought for Ev.

Our stay also included lots of napping, eating, playing games and watching movies.

The gorgeous sunrise from our balcony on Christmas morning.

Mom prepared her yummy pancakes for breakfast.

Donato made his spanish tortilla de patata. Dee-lish!

After breakfast Deona, Ev & I headed out for a morning walk.

In the early afternoon, Grampy showed up to spend some time with Everett. Grampy also brought gifts for Everett, Emilia, Deona & I.

"Miss E" embroidered on the onesie

Grampy also bought Emi this adorable outfit, with embroidered initials on the collar. Super adorable. You did great, Grampy!

Everett with both grandpas.

I couldn't have asked for a nicer gift this Christmas. The Gift of family togetherness for Christmas is exactly what I wanted.