snowed in

As most of our other Oklahoma friends, this weekend was spent in doors after the "Blizzard of 2010."  Part of me was glad to see the snow, as we missed the "Christmas Blizzard of 2009," and I was also glad that we got less ice than expected, but more snow than predicted.  Tulsa ended up with over 6 inches of snow!

Heather had planned on being in Dallas this weekend for the baby shower of our good friends the Cavazos, but I had to lay down the law, after my normal 15 minute commute downtown took over an hour on Friday.  I was amazed at all the snow.  So as soon as I got back home, I got Ellie all bundled up and took her out to see the snow for herself.  She was impressed for about 1 minute, then ready to return to the warmth of the indoors.

We also always laugh at how much of a priss our little Petie is.  He tends to be very cautious in the snow.  He makes multiple attempts to avoid the snow, and then, only after careful examination of the area, he prances in the snow, not know exactly how to behave.

So being snowed in is cool for about half a day, but then cabin fever sets in.

great wolf lodge

Since we didn't get to celebrate Christmas with the Sher/Kerr clan, we met up in Grapevine, Texas at the Great Wolf Lodge to ring in the New Year! Grapevine was the perfect location for us to meet up and of course, the kids LOVED all that Great Wolf had to offer. We look forward to going back someday when Ellison is more entertained by water slides and MagiQuest but until then, Rob and I enjoy stepping into our aunt and uncle role and taking our nieces and nephew around the water park. Ellison has become quite the little water baby and had fun splashing in the wave pool with her Aunt Sarah, Tanya, and Jill. We also packed into one of the suites for our Christmas gift exchange....15 people + tons of gifts = a fun and memorable time! We cherish anytime we are able to get the whole family together and look forward to seeing everyone again soon. Thanks Grandmommy and Granddad for an exciting weekend!

a tulsa christmas

Prior to our vacation in Naples, we hosted our first family Christmas in Tulsa with KK and Holly! We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Trula while our dear friends, the Walton's, watched Ellison. After dinner, we headed back to the house to open gifts. Ellison was very entertained by the sparkly ribbon and even participated in unwrapping her presents! We enjoyed lots of laughs- especially with mom's "silly gift" she always surprises Rob with and even some tears as we each received a letter from mom and dad. It was by far the most special gift we could have received!

our "white christmas" in naples!

This year we were blessed with a wonderful Christmas in Naples, Florida! While everyone was snowed in in Oklahoma, we were enjoying our "white Christmas" on the white sandy beaches of Florida in the 70 degree weather. It was wonderful! We went with my family and thoroughly enjoyed our time with KK, Holly, and her fiance, Darren. We stayed in a beautiful home allowing us some much needed R&R and time away.

our home away from home

While we were away we enjoyed fine dining, shopping, exploring Naples, a bay cruise, and time at the beach. Ellison got to experience many firsts while we were away like flying on an airplane, playing at the beach, sleeping with mom and dad, splashing in the hot tub, bathtime with mom, and celebrating Christmas!

a few of my favorites (okay, a lot of my favorites!)

Ellison wasn't quite sure about what to think of the beach but that didn't stop me from trying to get some pictures. It was pretty cold in the ocean and the wind was blowing so it was a quick photo session!

white christmas

We will forever cherish the memories we made on this trip. And although it was a challenging Christmas without dad's presence, we were comforted knowing that he was celebrating Christmas with Jesus himself! Thank you KK for a wonderful and much needed vacation!

Sooner Bred

My Christmas gift from Heather and our little princess this year was this picture (along with another) that I could put in both my office and the study at the house. I love this picture! It captures Ellison's inquisitive nature, as well as her "no smile, all business" expression that she so commonly reverts to when in front of the camera. I also love the fact that it incorporates not only the Sooners, but the autographed football. For those that don't know, this is the football I got for Heather's dad our first Christmas we were dating. Up until that point, Mr. Hill (as I called him), had chosen not to acknowledge my existence; but nothing softens the heart like a football signed by both Bob Stoops and Barry Switzer. What a perfect gift! Thanks girls!

New Design...New Content to Come

So it only took all my energy to overhaul the design of the blog. I know there are a few things still missing, but the general idea has been accomplished. Now that we are actually home for more than just a few days in a row, we will soon update the blog with our pictures and stories from our Christmas in Naples, Florida and our New Years from the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas. Check back soon, as more is coming in the very near future!