Hunt/Terrell/Hamilton/Bell/Hendrix/Stephens Christmas

Last Sunday, we got an early start to Christmas celebrations. We had Stacy's side of the family at his sister's house. There are 6 last names included- crazy! It was fun to see the kids interact- Austin, annabelle (21 months), Morgan (32 months), and Rhett (almost 3). We had gumbo, cornbread and a bunch of yummy desserts. It was fun to see the older kids enjoy opening gifts. Austin doesn't quite get it. He got a couple of fun toys
and the adults did a white elephant exchange. Austin even came home with a loaner hand-me-down sports toy- a basketball hoop, baseball bat all in one.
We even got the kids to pose for some pictures.

Toddling to Santa

Spoons

If only he could always be this easily entertained...

What is it with the iphone?

Playing catch up

Our big news is that Austin has started deciding that walking is cool and he wants to do it.  He has known how to walk for about 2 months now.  In the past two weeks he started walking on his own from point to point.  He knows what it means when we say "stand up" or "walk to me".  It is great.  He holds his hands up in front of his shoulders so they are ready to catch himself if he falls.  He usually has a huge smile, like he is saying "look at me, I am a big boy".  I bought a Little People nativity for him and he enjoys putting the angel on top of the manager because it plays "Away in a Manger" and the star lights up when the angel sits on top.  He mostly enjoys putting all of the pieces in a plastic tub, dumping them out, then repeating by putting them back in.  Once he did this at least ten times in a row. He focuses so hard on making sure every piece makes it in the tub.  I am doing my best to teach him who Baby Jesus is :)

Last weekend we made a quick trip to Lufkin for my cousin Claire's engagement party.  It was at the East Texas Museum which had a Christmas tree exhibit.  It was beautiful.  David volunteered to babysit Austin in the hotel room (the party started after Austin's bed time).  Coincidentally the party started at the same time as the Texas vs Kansas State game so David enjoyed watching this at the Lufkin Best Western in my mom's room across the hall from our room where Austin slept.  The party was fun and festive and we are excited for Claire and Parker's wedding in June.  Austin played with the stuffed "pillow" Santa at Aunt Jennifer's house.  DiDi also has a stuffed Santa at her house so Austin knows who Santa is, but I am still working on "what does Santa say?"....Ho, Ho, Ho.  He hasn't caught on yet.  They are taking pictures with Santa at his school this Wednesday.  I can't wait to find out if he cries, smiles, or is just in shock.  We will see!

Checking him out

Hugs for Santa

This guy is fun

He is a pillow

Lounging

That's my big boy walker

I got a call from the nurse at Austin's school last Monday saying that he was okay, but a "friend" bit him on the cheek.  It didn't break any skin but definitely left a bruise and bite marks.  I got a quick picture in the tub....luckily just the day before we had some professional pictures taken of our family....I am thankful for this timing.  I felt so bad for the little guy.

Here are just a couple more recent pictures.....

Candles at DiDi's house are fun

Nativity tub

Carrying it around the room

In other news, we closed on our house on Friday.  We don't take possession until next Saturday.  We won't move in until right after Christmas because we are having some work done before we move all of our stuff in.  Plus, I wanted to be in a decorated house for Christmas and didn't see myself buying a tree and decorating it just 10 days before Christmas.  We are excited to move in and feel more settled here in Houston....and I know Savannah is ready for a yard :)