Christmas 2013

Well, look at me--posting blogs in a timely manner... 

 

After Mike's graduation, he came to Houston to spend the week of Christmas with us.  He'll have to return to San Angelo for a week or two to pack up his dorm room and have our household goods packed up and shipped to Maryland. 

 

While he was here, we attended an Allison gathering where we spent time with lots of uncles, aunts, and cousins.

 

 

The kids making brownie reindeer with Nana.

 

Our Christmas Eve tradition of celebrating Jesus' birth with "Happy Birthday Jesus" cupcakes.

 

We attended the Christmas Eve candlelight service at Oak Ridge Baptist Church. 

 

After the service we headed to Grandma's for a ham dinner and opening gifts.

 

Christmas morning Judith was excited to see her Ariel bike.

 

Jonas got a bow and arrow set.

 

One of Ezra's gifts: Phineas and Ferb figures.

 

Christmas evening we went to Grandma Allison's house.  Uncle Caleb brought some fireworks for the kiddos.

 

We were happy to celebrate with lots of family this year!  Next year, we look forward to our first Christmas in Maryland!

Blog Privacy

I'm taking the blog private.  I think it's necessary, in today's age, to protect my kids from online weirdos as much as possible.  I know nothing online is safe from hackers, but perhaps by making the blog a little less accessable to the general public I'll have one safeguard in place. 

It's not like a ton of people follow the blog.  It's just friends and family, so it shouldn't require too much of a transition.  The blog will still be in the same place and look the same, but you will have to be "invited" to read it.  You must accept the invitation and log on in order to view the blog.  And I hope you do!

I recently talked to a friend who took her blog private and I missed the transition.  I thought she wasn't blogging anymore!  I don't want that to happen to any of you who read mine.  You can email me at erin_j_allison@yahoo.com   to let me know if you would like me to send you an invitation so you can keep up with our family and our adventures in Maryland!

Nutcracker, Gingerbread, and Baby Jesus

 

Judith performed in The Nutcracker last weekend!  She was a little distracted by the confetti on the stage (that wasn't there during rehearsals), but other than that, she did great!  She stole the show.  :)

 

This was in the dressing room for hair and yes, make-up. 

 

 

More pictures, Mom?

 

 

 

She was loving getting ready with the big girls.

 

 

Just a few poses.  :)

 

So proud of our beautiful little dancer!

 

 

Her doting brothers gave her flowers for a great performance.

 

Mike surprised the kids with gingerbread houses to decorate (and eat shortly thereafter).

 

 

 

 

Jonas and Daddy playing with icing.

 

 

The boys were in choir performances at church.  Ezra didn't do a whole lot of singing or participating, but he had a great attitude the entire time.  Which is a victory in and of itself!  We were very proud! 

 

 

Jonas was "Joseph" in his musical.  His speaking part was, "The angel told Joseph to not be afraid,"  He said it slowly and clearly like a champ!

 

Here he is doing motions and singing.

 

It was a busy weekend!

The Polar Express!

We kicked off our 2013 Christmas season with our first ever ride on the Polar Express!  The Polar Express is a real passenger train that goes from Palestine, TX to Rusk, TX and back.  During Christmas however, it transforms into the Polar Express and takes deserving children and their families to the North Pole! 

 

Here it comes!!

 

 

I loved the wonder and awe on their faces as it came to a stop in front of us at the depot. 

 

All aboarrrrrrrrrrd!

 

Pretty excited!

 

The kids handing their tickets to the conductor for punches.  (I wish they had a punch that did the words "believe", or "lead", or "learn", but they don't...)

 

After we passed the North Pole and waved to Santa and the elves, Santa came aboard the train to personally deliver bells to each of the children.  Love Dad's face!  :)

 

Judith and Ezra dancing with one of the "Hot Chocolate!" gals.  (We were given a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie to munch on.)

 

Judith with her bell.

 

The boys with one of the conductors near the train's engine car.

 

We Believe!

Thanksgiving

An enjoyable two-turkey-dinner day once again directs are thoughts in one direction:  It's all about family.

 

Brian and Judith taking a twirl around the living room.

 

 

Nana and Judith.

 

 

Daddy and Jonas.

 

(Great) Grandma and the (great) grandkids.

 

 

Our crazy little family.

 

SeaWorld

Mike had a 3-day weekend for Veterans Day so we met him in San Antonio to take advantage of the Waves of Honor deal for military families that SeaWorld offers. 

 

 

The seats on this ride were really narrow.  Mike was feeling the squeeze.

 

We were surprised by the non-SeaWorld characters there.  We saw Franklin and had to have a hug.  We love the Franklin book series!  We were so glad we waited until the off-season.  It was nice and cool and not at all crowded!

 

 

The kids loved this Shamu mini-roller coaster.  Pure joy on Jonas' face.

 

 

There were lots of Sesame Street characters around.  This picture with Burt and Ernie is too cute!

 

This picture cracks me up.  Jonas and Mike are on the front right.  Jonas is covering his "owie" since he wasn't allowed to wear his hat.  (The day before we went to SeaWorld, Jonas hit his head on the door frame in our hotel room and visited the emergency room for some glue and a steri-strip.  Being the good patient he is, when the doctor said to make sure it stayed dry he was concerned about getting splashed at SeaWorld.  The doctor's orders however, did not keep him from going on this water ride.)  Anyway, Mike and Jonas are funny but check out all the other folks.  My favorite is the man two rows behind Mike.  And what's up with those adolescent boys next to Mike?  Funny!

 

More fun on the Shamu coaster.

 

Ezra REALLY wanted his picture taken with this random duck.  However, I do love it because it's a GREAT picture of him!

 

 

On Veterans Day we visited the Alamo, walked the River Walk a bit, and ate some BBQ

 

 

Remember the Alamo!