Meeting the Big Guy

Riley has had several opportunities to sit down and chat with Ole Saint Nick over the last few weeks.  He hasn't done the typical toddler crying/freakout episode when placed on his lap, but I wouldn't say that he's been overly thrilled with the idea either. As a matter of fact, I have had to sit on Santa's lap with Riley in my arms a few times so that he wasn't uncomfortable with the idea... whatever works, right?!

The first Santa Meeting was at Matt's work Christmas party.

After "WE" sat on Santa's lap, we headed to the photo booth to have some fun!

 Maxim throws such a fabulous family oriented party, and we all had a great time.

Santa encounter #2 was at my office.  

Riley got to see Santa twice that day, once with Mommy and once with his friends from school!

The third day of Santa fun was at Crystal's annual Santa Party.

We had lots of wonderful food (as I stuff my face, excuse me) and the boys had a great time playing together

Riley got to do a few crafts while we waited for Santa's big arrival

Aunty LaLa joined us since Matt was picking up his parents at the airport during the festivities.  Always a good time with LaLa!

We waited outside for Santa to arrive and sang Christmas Carols. Did you have a few too many Capri Suns Riley?

And he's here!! He arrived on a Fire Truck, so cool!

The kids gathered around to talk to Santa, and all listened to him so well. Where's Waldo?

It was Riley's turn on Santa's lap... I think he was ready to jump off as soon as he got on.

He was sweet enough to endure a few pictures.  I asked Riley, "do you want to tell Santa what you want for Christmas?"... he immediately said "no".  I guess that was too much to ask in the situation!

One last picture with Lala!

Merry Christmas Sawyer!! Big hugs!

The Big 3-0

I had my "BIG" birthday this month, and I was expecting it to be spent at work & kid Christmas parties... BOY was I wrong! My amazing husband worked his tail off to make it a very special and memorable weekend for me.  First, he had one of my very best friends Kylie & her hubby Adam fly in from New York and surprise me on Friday night! I was in my pj's watching the end of 20/20, and they came in the back door! The next night was spent with them, my sis Lib, and two of my favorite couples the Rachavong's and Hay's (we have traditions of celebrating birthdays with these two in Austin... Vegas...etc...) in a Navigator Limo! We definitely partied like rock stars that night and had a blast. Sunday was spent with my family eating some of the most delicious food prepared by my Mom, and it the perfect way to cap off an amazing weekend. Thank you to all of my family and friends for all of the love!

I was shocked when she walked in, but SO happy!

 

Saturday afternoon was spent feeding the horses (a.k.a. "E-I-E-I-O") and eating Tex-Mex

Riley would visit the EIEIO's everyday if we let him!

Snuggle time with Uncle Adam...oh, and Tobes. He warmed up pretty quickly!

 The girls prepping for the big night on the town!

 We were riding in style that night!

First stop, Benihana... can't pass up a chance to take a pic in front of the limo before dinner

Always a fun time at Benihana!

Back in the limo... skipping the Christmas light tour and heading to Uptown to have some fun!

Love these girls!

Thanks for coming, Ky... you made my birthday so special!!

In the meantime, Riley was back at home with his teacher Mrs. Kristy & her hubby Mr. Rob. She is incredible with him!

She even brought art supplies so that Riley could paint me a "happy birthday" canvas, so special!

 The delicious meal that my mom made on Sunday night... lobster pasta... incredible!

 

The gorgeous double chocolate cake... has my name written all over it!

Riley dug into the cake mid-happy-birthday-song... which, happened to be right after his bath. Oh well! He said "ha-bir-day!!"

My childhood best friend, Nicole, sent me these gorgeous flowers ... Thanks Colio!!

Christmas Carriage Ride

We went with the Rachavong's on a carriage ride in Highland Park to see the amazing Christmas lights.  Riley and his buddy Sawyer loved our horse, Ace, and cheered for all of the lights! We always have a great time with these friends, and it's so fun to see the boys as they get older and goof around together.

I love how he automatically says 'CHEESE' when the camera comes out!

Getting ready for Christmas!

If you know my husband, you know that we have to start decking the halls ASAP... many times before Thanksgiving.  He did an amazing job on the outdoor lights before Thanksgiving, and we transformed the house into a Christmas wonderland the day after Thanksgiving.  Riley has enjoyed playing with the train underneath the tree, and we've only had a few tears when he's been caught trying to throw glass ornaments like baseballs.

"CHEESE!"

Playing with the train with Grandpa... can't wait for Pop Pop to join us in a few short weeks!

choooo-choooo!

Couldn't resist posting this one.. My dad in the elf hat that plays music and dances on his head. Cheers!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a lot to be thankful for this year, and loved that we got to celebrate this special day with my Grandma Daly and Aunt Barbara.  It was a beautiful day in Texas, so we were able to spend some time in the sunshine after the cooking was done. 

We started the day by giving Toby a bath. Riley loved helping with the task!

Lots of fun at GiGi and Grandpa's house on the swingset - Lala couldn't help but join in the fun!

The beautiful table... after the feast (sorry, Mom... forgot to take a picture before!)

Thanksgiving + Football

The boys cheering on the skins!

I think Dad was ready for a nap after all of that tasty food

  

Aunt Barbara knitted all of the girls beautiful scarves, and made Riley another adorable quilt & pillow. She is so talented!

 

Lib and Grandma sharing stories <3

 The pies warming up before dessert ...

 ...Yes, we had 5 pies for 8 adults

 Apple pie and ice cream... YUMMMM!!

 

My mom and I got to attend Riley's Thanksgiving luncheon at his school

Lots of delicious food with his friends!  We loved eating lunch with our Lil Man!