Peace, Love and Merry Christmas!

Moving to Galveston meant we would have TWO places to travel during the Christmas break this year. 20-24 hours in the car was not at all what I had in mind this holiday (5 hours in the car to Arlington then another 5 hours home then turn around and make another 5 hour drive to Wimberley then 5 hours home), so instead we decided to save some time and gas by traveling to Arlington first then straight to Wimberley then back to Galveston.  The downside, however, meant we wouldn't be spending Christmas eve with our extended family.  Loading cars with gifts and luggage and Santa seemed excessive; some things have to give and evolve and this was one of those times.    Even though it wasn't entirely tradition, our visits to see family and friends were packed with great times and great memories.

First we traveled to Arlington. We spent two nights with Grampy; while in Arlington we had dinner with our dear friend Schneider and her family, visited with Aunt Dondi, uncle Roy, Jordan and Matt, then celebrated Christmas with the Kimsey clan.

Boy band members: Emory, Everett & Jordan.  Matt, apparently, was "too cool" to pose.

 Emory LOVES his blanket and matching ocelot stuffed animal, he named "Ocedot". :)  Thanks aunt Dondi!

Thanks David for hosting this year's gathering; we think your house is the perfect venue and you should host again next year. lol

 

Can't believe this time next year AJ & Stephanie will have a 5 month old baby.  <3

On Monday we traveled to Wimberley.  We always have a great time when we visit Granmom and Granpop in the hillcountry.  The boys love playing games with Granmom.  Christmas bingo was a hit, especially when Granmom gives out nickels for winning.  :)

We didn't stay long enough to celebrate Christmas at Granmom & Granpop's this year, instead we met  family for dinner at Willie's in New Braunsfels.  It was a lot of fun catching up and the boys loved hanging out with their cousins.

I was SOOOOOO HAPPY Ma & Pop were able to visit us in Galveston on Christmas day.

We had lots of fun!

Granmom doesn't look like she's having too much fun here, :) but she was. We all were! 

The dolphins were out the and day was beautiful.

No trip would be complete without a trip to LaKings candy store on the Strand. Of course the grands gave each boy some money for candy. 

 There was no greater gift this holiday season than spending time with my family. Wishing all my family members peace and love this holiday season. May you feel the joy in your home that you bring to me. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Wishing you warmth and love this holiday season.

Oh and I wanted to share my Instagram post from today.... We were fortunate enough to wear shorts on our beach walk today.  We encountered several beautiful crab, like 15 or so;  they were healthy, feisty and ready to snap our hands. :) Lucky for them we are a vegetarian family.   #AllLivesMatter :)

Harvest Day

 Emory loves the smell of fresh herbs and Everett loves eating fresh produce. 

Harvesting is a lot of fun; we even harvested enough broccoli to share with the goats. 

Decorating Galveston

  Deona's a sucker for decorating during the month of December; add a  "patio or porch" contest and she's all in! This is one of the many things I love about her. :) 

The boys decorated their window with multi-colored lights, Christmas window clings and a Christmas tree drawing (only view-able from the inside). :-/  I took the drawing down this afternoon (above) and found it back on the window this evening(below).

 Deona spent several hours stapling fishing line and securing "floating" snowflakes, LED snowflake lights (which i typically don't care for, but LOVE) and she even splurged on a 4' snowman. 

 See our patio wayyyyyy over there?  Brightest and whitest patio, no doubt.

WE'RE GONNA WIN (said in my best Jimmy Dugan's voice, from A League of Their Own)!!! :o)

 Deona brought the Brrrr inside; she made every single snowflake (minus one - thanks to our dedicated son, Everett. THANKS FOR YOUR HARD WORK EVERETT; your hands must be exhausted! :)   

Emory helped Mama make yards and yards of paper chain.

 Emory decorated himself today; I'd bet he's the cutest little elf in Galveston, even with his backward tshirt. I love Emory's pointed little ears; I especially love that he secured them in place with Scotch tape.

I love the month of December, even if it's loads of work and lots of money.  

Decorating brings smiles and happiness to our family and hopefully a "FIRST PLACE PATIO PRIZE"!

 HA! :) All silliness aside, we'd decorate even if there wasn't a prize or recognition of any kind. 

We are loving Island Life and would like to wish you and your loved ones

the warmest and merriest of Christmases!

Holidays in Gruene, TX

Perfect tiny house for our (future) commune.

These chimes are glorious and I want one or two, for our (future) commune. :)

Granpop in front of the antique store.

 

Gruene's own brand of Santa

Cowboy Kringle

Plan your own visit, you will love the historic little town of Gruene.

Haiku

This beautiful boy

full of life and excitement

can make water dance. 

Thankful for Everything

We are incredibly thankful, for everything.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Graduation - Gold Belts

The boys graduated to Gold Belts today!

Requirements: 

1. Front punch, step front punch

2. Back punch, step back punch

3. Front-front kick, step front-front kick

4. Front sidekick, step front sidekick

5. Front roundhouse kick, step front roundhouse kick

To document their strengths and weaknesses at this time (Gold Belt):

Everett
Strength - He understands the rhythm and is fluid in his movement.
Weakness - flexibility

Emory
Strength - He's flexible and has high kicks
Weakness - delayed movements and low energy

We are so very proud of Ev and Em and especially excited to watch them advance in Tae Kwon Do.