Christmas in Corpus

After Santa gifts were opened on Christmas Day, we packed up the car and headed to Corpus to celebrate with my family. First, we met my entire extended family in Alice, Texas. It was a house packed with family, laughs and food. Luke had a blast with his cousins. Not to mention, all the gifts he received. He got Leap Frog learning toys, books, an Aggie chair, Legos, a laptop, guitar and the cutest western boots! He was unsure of how to walk in them at first, but he got the hang of it really quick. I must say, he looked so adorable in his boots. I might have to get me a pair too. ;)

At one point, his Godfather pulled out the karaoke machine and microphone. He had no idea he was going to have to fight Luke for the mic. All Luke wanted to do for the next hour, was entertain the crowd. He was so amazed at the increased sound of his voice. Who knew we had a little entertainer on our hands. He was too cute!

After that celebration, we went to Gigi's and opened more gifts that evening. Luke was a trooper and stayed up way past his bedtime. He got a ride on car and musical instruments. I have said this before and I will say it again. My son loves music. He loved the drum, maracas, symbols and even the triangle.

The next day, we went to visit with Luke's great grandmother Jilma in Kingsville. My grandmother had such a great time with him. He was in such a good mood and made her smile all day. He received a hand made quilt and his great grandfather's favorite cowboy hat which I am sure he will treasure for years to come. At one point, Luke and his dad took a walk in the backyard to look at the fruit trees. I definitely felt my grandfather (his great grandfather)watching over him. This was something I wish Luke had gotten to do with his great grandfather just once.

The next night, we took Luke on a walk to see Christmas lights. We had yet to do this in Austin and I did not want the holiday to end without checking it off my list. Luke loved it! I think we have a new tradition. Next year, Aunt Kiki will have to join us.

I am sad to see the holidays end. It truly is my favorite time of year. However, we created some new traditions and so many memories.

Santa Was Here!

Santa was here last night. By the looks of things, my son was very good this year. :)

I was so excited for this morning. I wanted to capture Luke's expression as he saw his gifts under the tree, so I waited at the end of the stairs while Owen carried him down. Hearing him say, "WOW!" was priceless.

Needless to say, the fire truck stole the show and Luke was not interested in any other gift. I guess we made the right choice.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Eve

Christmas is finally here! Today was the first celebration. Owen's parents came over for lunch and spent the day with us. Vicki was nice enough to cook the turkey since I was not confident in my skills. I did make stuffing for the first time and it was actually very tasty. We had a great day eating, opening gifts and watching Luke entertain with the simplest of items. All week, he has been trying to get to the presents under the tree. He even unwrapped one the other day. But today, as we gave him more than 5 boxes to open, he was more interested in a candy cane and lighted screwdriver. It is the little things I guess.

Tonight, we started the tradition of leaving cookies and milk for Santa. Luke does not really get the concept of Santa. I am sure next year will be more exciting. However, I am super excited to wake up and see all the gifts Santa left him under the tree. Merry Chistmas to all!

What Christmas is About

It is easy to forget what Christmas is about when you start talking gifts and what you are getting from Santa. It is easy to lose sight of all you have to be grateful for each day.

For me, the most important thing this time of year is my family. This year, my family decided to change our celebration to Christmas Day so everyone could attend. The past few years some cousins were not able to make the Christmas Eve celebration. We are a very close family. For us, it is not really Christmas if we are not all together to celebrate. I want Luke to have the experience of being around a big family any chance he gets. Just like I did when I was growing up. I am looking forward to seeing everyone back home.

I also want to teach Luke the act of giving back. My son is an only child and he will be receiving a ton of gifts this year. As his parents, we cannot stop buying for him. We see so many things we just know he will love to see under the tree. (not too mention the gifts from family)Some may say we should not buy him so much. That he will grow to be spoiled. But I disagree and have never been one to listen to what others say. Luke will grow to understand he is a very lucky little boy. He will learn to give back. Here are a few things we did as a family. Next year, when he is older, we will talk to him more about the act of generosity.

1. Luke donated some of his toys to the women's shelter
2. We donated supplies and clothes to the women's shelter
3. We chose two angels through the Salvation Army. We bought toys and necessities from the wish lists of a little boy and a little girl.

First Dentist Appointment

Today, was Luke's first dentist appointment. I was so nervous for him. I remember my first dentist appointment and it did not go so well. From that day on, the dentist was the last place I wanted to go.

It was the total opposite for Luke. He had a great time as the dentist. He let them examine in his mouth and the dentist was even able to floss his teeth. I was in shock. This first appointment was more to get him comfortable. The next time we go, he will get a cleaning. Stay tune for that update in the summer.


Unsure at first

Cool TV up top

Out come the dinosaur

Showing of his brushing skills with the dinosaur

Yo Gabba Gabba!

Luke loves the Yo Gabba Gabba show on Nick Jr. We watch it all the time. He loves the songs and I love that it teaches something new each episode. We learn about germs, eating healthy and being nice to our friends. When a friend of mine told us the live show was coming to town, we had to get tickets. Not just any tickets but second row tickets!

Luke's sweet Aunt Karla made us all shirts to wear to the show. Yes. We all wore shirts. (not Gigi - who also joined us for the show) I would do anything for Luke, so naturally I would wear a shirt with Foofa on the front. Luke wore a Plex sweatshirt and matching t-shirt. Owen wore a t-shirt with the entire Yo Gabba Gabba gang.

We were not sure if Luke would sit still and watch the show or be scared. Luke had an absolute blast. We all sang the songs and danced. It was the best money ever spent to see the smile on his face. I am all about creating memories and this was one for the books.

Next, The Fresh Beat Band is coming to town. We already have tickets to take Luke to that show. The Fresh Beat Band is by far his favorite show. I cannot wait to see his face!