Christmas Eve 2009

We just got home tonight so I am going to do my best to get the blog caught up in the next few days.

Christmas Eve was so much fun this year, mostly due to the fact that Abilene got 3-4 inches of snow on the 24th. It actually felt like Christmas, which doesn't ever happen here in Texas since Christmas time usually comes with temperatures in the 50's-60's...if not warmer than that. I loved it! I think this was Rylan's second time to see snow. Abilene got snow on Thanksgiving day in 2007. This was of course Hudson's first time to see snow. Rylan enjoyed playing in the snow and had a blast throwing snow balls at everyone. Hudson...well, he actually fell asleep in his bear suit while the rest of us had fun in the snow. Apparently, the snow wasn't too impressive to him!

Christmas Eve is a big day for traditions in our family. Since my mom has moved to Texas we have introduced Cody's family to our traditional Christmas Eve Mexican food dinner. As long as I can remember my mom has made tacos for Christmas Eve. We also surrounded my in-laws house with luminarias on Christmas Eve night. Growing up in New Mexico we did this every year at our house. The history of the luminaria has to do with lighting the way for Christ. It is such a fun thing to do and we attracted some onlookers that night since this is not a "normal" thing to do in Texas. I think everyone had a good time doing this. We also started a new tradition for our family. We made a birthday cake for Jesus and had a birthday party...balloons, banner and noise makers included! Rylan and his cousin Anicia decorated the cake with sprinkles, sprinkles and MORE sprinkles!! I hope we continue this new tradition each year to remind us all that Christmas wouldn't be possible without Christ.

I think we were all exhausted when we went to bed on Christmas Eve. Thank goodness our kids aren't quite old enough to want to wake up at 4:00am to open presents...although I know those years are just around the corner!

The little monster coming at me with snow!

Look at those red cheeks!

Happy Birthday Jesus...Rylan told us Jesus was 3 years old this year! Ha!

Oh, how they loved the sprinkles!

Cody's parent's house all lit up with the luminarias and lights.

Family picture time

RoRo with her little bear.

Yep, that's right...he's asleep...in freezing temperatures...while the rest of us play in the snow.

I L.O.V.E. this picture!! Such a cute little bear with fat little cheeks!

Brotherly Love

You're my best buddy,

My favorite friend,

We'll always be pals,

From now until the end.

I have to admit that when I found out I was pregnant with Hudson I panicked! Two kids just two years apart was never in our plans. After going through 2 rounds of in vitro to get Rylan we figured we would wait until he was 3-4 years old and then maybe try it again with the frozen embryos we have left. However, now that Hudson is here and I have two little boys so close in age, I couldn't be happier. My prayer is that these two boys will grow up loving and protecting each other in a way that only two brothers can understand. I realize that not all moments between the two of them will be as sweet as the ones captured above, but I can't help from smiling when I think that they each already have their forever best friend.

Play Time!

Hudson is nearly 4 months old and his little personality is REALLY starting to come out. For the most part he is very laid back. He will just sit in his swing or baby seat for 30+ minutes awake while we get things done around the house or play with Rylan. He also smiles from ear to ear if anyone starts talking to him. This baby LOVES to talk!! Hudson and Rylan are also starting to interact a little more. Rylan is so precious with him! He tries so hard to be gentle and just love on him. Rylan gets SO excited when Hudson smiles or talks to him!

These past few months since Hudson has been born have been wonderful! I love having 2 little boys in the house!! This time last year we had no idea what a surprise we were about to get on January 2nd when I took that pregnancy test. I guess I wasn't really car sick last Christmas when we went up in the mountains in New Mexico to go sledding...I was just pregnant! Ha! What a year!

We are so excited for this Christmas! It is Hudson's first Christmas and Rylan is at such a fun age. We have really stressed to Rylan the true meaning of Christmas. He is super excited to make a birthday cake for Jesus...and he constantly tells me that Jesus will be 3 years old!

We are headed to Abilene for the week to spend the holiday with our family there. We will miss not getting to see the rest of our family, but we wish everyone a Merry CHRISTmas!!

My two precious boys!

Hanging out in the Baby Einstein toy...even though his feet don't touch the floor yet! :-)

All this playing can sure wear a little guy out!

So sweet!

A little naked play time!

3 Months Old

I am posting this one a little late, but we did actually take the picture on the 2nd when he turned 3 months old. Hudson's little personality is really starting to come out, and we are enjoying every minute with him!

"Marry Me Carrie!"

My little boy is in love...with Carrie Underwood! While watching her holiday special on TV my little man fell head over heels in love. He couldn't get enough of her! I have the pictures to prove it too...

Sorry buddy, she's too old for you. But, I'm sure when you're old enough you can find yourself a cute little blonde!

Thanksgiving 2009

This year was such a fun Thanksgiving. My brother's family from Albuquerque met us in Abilene this year. My grandmother (Meme) also came from Odessa to spend the holiday with us. Between my side of the family and Cody's side of the family I think we had 15-20 people in town for Thanksgiving day. We spent the week eating, playing card games and eating some more! We also got some great family pictures taken by Lindsey Cotton (Cotton Photography) while we were in town. I hated for the week to end, but we're already planning a Christmas in Colorado with everyone soon so we can't wait for that!

Aleigha and Hudson hanging out together on the couch watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

Rylan, Nonni and Anicia making ornaments

RoRo and Rylan

Fishing with the Spiderman pole. I have to say that I am impressed...my 2 year old can cast a fishing pole by himself and get it about 4-5 feet out in the water!

Helping Papa feed the cows

Sitting on the tractor with Aleigha

Maddie and Rylan wrestling Uncle Josh (my brother)

Maddie was fascinated with Hudson the entire week. We think she thought he was a baby doll. She loved to touch his head and just be close to him all week.