Christmas

We are back in the swing of things after a wonderful Christmas vacation and break from the real world. They are always too short, but we try to enjoy every second. As aforementioned, we traveled to Texas to visit the Lubke's. It turned out to be quite the adventure with a blizzard on Christmas Eve that kept us snowed in for 3 days! All Christmas services were canceled, but since we had our own personal pastor (thanks Dad!) and the church is right next door, we were able to have our own personal Christmas Eve service. :)
We were blessed to be able to see Gran and PawPaw Orville, my sister Courtney and one of her friends, and also Granna Sue and PawPaw Ray. A special thanks to them for bringing up our new car! They journeyed through some treacherous roads to get there. Nick drove our car - 2009 Malibu back to Florida, and Candace and Natalie flew back. We almost didn't get back since they ended up canceling our flight from Wichita Falls to Dallas, but thanks to mom and dad who quickly drove us to Dallas so we could make our connecting flight and get home.
Natalie enjoyed her Christmas as well. She loved undecorating the tree and learned how to eat of a plate like a big girl. And a big girl she is indeed. Nick and I just can't believe how much she is growing and changing. She was a little overwhelmed with all the opening of presents, so we had to leave a few for later in the day. There were just too many things going on and too much paper and boxes everywhere! :)She did love the big ball that Santa gave her, though, and the orange in her stocking. While in Texas, teeth #s 13 and 14 broke through. She also got to experience her first snow. I'm not sure she knew what to think about it - especially the getting bundled up part. "What in the world are my parents doing putting all these things on me?!" :)
Despite some of the chaotic moments, our trip was fabulous and we relished in no work and mom's delicious food! Now back to cooking all of my own meals and slaving away at work. Thanks again, mom and dad, for everything. We really enjoyed our time together!

Here are a few pictures from our Christmas vacation in Texas:

What we woke up to on Christmas eve

Moss Family in the Snow

Natalie eating an orange she found in her stocking

Nick and Natalie Napping.

Natalie found a new friend, Claire

Ray and Sue and Natalie

Papa Lubke and Natalie

Natalie opening some gifts

Aunt Courtney and Natalie

Sue and Orville and Natalie

Natalie on Christmas morning