Christmas Round Up #1

Merry Christmas Eve! We have been in full traveling mode since Thursday. So far we have been from Austin to Dallas to Houston to Columbus and back to Round Rock. And we are still not finished. It's been a whirlwind with cranky pants car rides, a Yukon trashed with Gardettos, Cheese Puffs and Cheez-Its, Taylor Swift RED on repeat and a mom with nerves shot to the moon. Tis the season. Fa-la-la-la-la! 

So today, I present to you the first round of our Christmas adventures. Stay tuned for round two.

 

We took the girls on a surprise trip to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine for Merry Madagascar on Ice. If you have kids and live in Texas, you have to go. We got all bundled up in our borrowed parkas and headed into a 9 degrees freezer full of sculpted and painted ice characters from Madagascar. We couldn't feel our feet, hands or faces by the time we got out, but it was worth it. They do a different theme every year and we definitely plan to make the trip again and hopefully started a new tradition.

The hotel decor was glorious. I think I was more of the kid out of all four of us. It was a true wonderland at night. There were two atriums, a riverwalk, thousands of lights, a life size gingerbread house, waterfalls, trains and music. Should I continue? I could, I guess, but it just won't do this place justice. Like I said, if you have the chance, put this place on your list to visit during the holidays.

After our one night stay in Dallas, we got back in the car and headed to Houston to have Christmas with my dad's side of the family. This was the 78th year of this family reunion tradition. There were 139 in attendance this year. You guys, it's amazing. Extended family come from across the country for this all day event. We rent out a hall, have chili during the day, come back in the evening for a happy hour and a crazy dinner spread, the kids belt out Christmas carols, Santa makes a visit and we just have a jolly good time. I can only hope it continues for generations to come. I just wish my brother and brother-in-law could have been there with us.

And then there was Sunday, the camp house Christmas with Ross's family. A day of homemade shrimp bisque, red, red wine, an obscene amount gifts, lottery scratch offs totaling $285 in winnings, fireworks and we mustn't leave out the oh so festive head gear. Christmas just isn't Christmas without a few headbands and hats.

Now, we are back on the road, yet again, finishing up the festivities in the car, at our candlelight church service, then to an annual dinner with friends, Christmas at our own home, back in the car to Houston and wrapping it all up at my mom and dad's.

Safe travels. Jolly times. Happy present opening. Celebrate and rejoice His birth.

Merry Christmas, friends. And straight from the lips of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one!"

P.S. Random Wednesday WILL be live on Wednesday. Hope to see y'all link up your posts!

I am linking up with: Leeann and Sami for the Weekend Update. 

Molly for YOLO Mondays.