Hayrides and Snow Parties

Wes took off of work a few days before Christmas, so we tried to go do a few things with the kids. Thank goodness we did because we ended up VERRRRRY sick most of the break beginning Christmas morning. We've taken the kids to Santa's Wonderland a few times, but this year decided to try something different. I had heard about the hayrides through Pecan Grove (a neighborhood about 20 min or so past Katy). We got together a group of our preschool/gym friends and headed out in the frigid weather. It was by far one of the coldest days we had this winter, but with hot chocolate and a lot of blankets, the kids had a blast.

I was surprised as to how big the neighborhood was and just how many houses were decorated all out.

They were pretty impressed as well!

We got one big group shot of all of us at the end! It was so much fun. I have just loved getting to know these ladies and their precious kiddos. We miss them all so much!!

The next day, Yami came over to exchange Christmas gifts with the boys. She took a new job at almost the exact same time we found out we would be moving which I was so happy about for her. We were a little sad because our last few months there, we didn't get to spend as much time together. We all love her so much and miss her daily!!

We tried and tried to get Charlie to smile, and of course when he decides to smile, B makes a duck face.

Some of my family's best friends hosted a snow day party at their home a few days before Christmas. The temperature of course had turned up to about 80 degrees on this day, so they had to keep blowing more and more snow in!! The boys had an absolute blast! There was a little bunny hill with some sleds for the little ones.

Wipeout for Charlie!

Here comes B.....

Major wipeout for him :)

Charlie had so much fun riding down the big hill with Wes.

Wait for the end for a double wipeout. I think I started laughing so hard, I didn't capture it all on video.

Ryan wanted to try with dad before going on his own.

Now, they were getting the hang of it.

Ryan, then, got up the courage to try it out on his own.

B insisted that my dad try it out with him. Surprisingly, he said yes. I didn't even want to do it! The looks on their faces was priceless!

I got a video of Charlie doing the bunny slope, too. He wanted to do it over and over again.

After everyone had their fill of the hills, we all indulged in some yummy hot chocolate!

Afterwards, they decided to partake in some sno-ball fights where a few of us got a little wetter than expected. We then went into the tent for some BBQ and cookie decorating.

The grand finale was a visit from Santa! He picked out a gift for each child and called them up by name to receive it. After B's newly found love for Santa at the mall, he was all about going to see Santa here.

Charlie, however, would not partake in the picture with Santa. Ryan willingly went up and got his gift for him.

Finally, it was Ryan's turn, and he was so pumped! He thought this was just the neatest thing ever. It was so cute!

Once they got all sugared up, we went out to the front of their lawn to look at all of their Christmas lights. The boys had to take sneak away into the gingerbread house for a quick pic! It was pretty cool.

We had such a fun day with them as it was just really neat this year seeing them all get so excited for the Christmas season. Even Charlie, who doesn't quite understand what was going on, was getting so giddy because his brothers were. And the kid does anything and everything his older brothers do!