Christmas in Dallas

We left for Dallas Christmas Eve and went non-stop until we got home on Sunday. It was awesome seeing everyone, especially Mom and Dad.

Lilyann and Lucas

Emma and Mae

Emma got up around 8:00 Christmas morning and immediately woke us up. She was anxious to see if Santa figured out she and Bodi were in Dallas this year. As we came into the living room, her eyes glowed as she saw that Santa not only left presents, he also ate the cute little cookies she baked at the Starr's.

Emma and Bodi tearing into the gifts Santa brought

We went to the Phan's that evening to open presents. Let's just say, it was complete chaos. We tried to open one at a time but having 13 kids that ranged from 0-17 didn't make it easy. After one round, we decided to let the kids tear into the presents. Thank you to everyone for the gifts, Emma and Bodi loved everything they got.

AiLien and Tyler

Caitlin, McKenzie, Kennedi, and Emma

McKenzie and Emma

Kennedi

Nicky, Ngoi Ba, Bodi, Ngoi, and Lucas

After opening the presents, we broke out the Wii and played Dance Dance Revolution. I'm soooo happy Bryan got me one for Christmas because it was a BLAST!

The Rookie - I am very confused at this point

AiLien and Tyler's attempt

The Pros - Ty and McKenzie showed us all up

On Saturday, Dzung and Amy hosted a joint Birthday party at Chuck E Cheese for Nicky and Natalie, who both turned 3 on December 1st and 18th respectively. The kids had so much fun and Nicky and Natalie both had more presents to open :)

Mckenzie, Emma, and Ty

Bodi and Natalie cruising

The Pink Ladies, Natalie and Emma

Nicky and Ngoi Ba

After a whirlwind week, it was time for us to leave on Sunday. Saying goodbye is always hard, but it's especially hard on Emma. She cried in the car for about 30 minutes. Good thing we'll make another trip to Dallas in February for Mae's 1st Birthday party. Thank you to the Dallas Clan for such a great visit, we can't wait to see everyone again in February.

Breakfast with Santa

The kids had breakfast with Santa at school yesterday. Of course, Emma did great but Natalie and Bodi didn't want anything to do with him.

Bodi had so much fun, he couldn't even sit still for a picture.

Good thing Amy was there to help keep him still so we could get one.

Emma was a little shy but hopped on Santa's lap.

Bodi wanted nothing to do with Santa so we compromised.

Same with Natalie......

Happy Birthday Natalie!!!

Natalie turned 3 on December 18th. We can't believe how big she is. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Nat Nat, we love you!

The 3 Amigos

Bodi on the trampoline Natalie got for her Birthday

The Truong Twins Arrive!

Dzung, Xiu, and big brother Nicky welcomed twins, Lilyanne (bottom) and Lucas (top) on December 8th. Big sister, Lilyanne, was born one minute before Lucas. She was 5lbs 7 oz and he was 6lbs 5 oz. We're so happy that they are doing great and can't wait to see everyone when we visit for Christmas next week. Congratulations to Dzung and Xiu!!!!

Santa Cow

We went to Chick-fil-A on Saturday to see Santa Cow and Amy and Natalie met us there. Of course, Bodi and Natalie were scared to death but Emma jumped right in. Although she told me later that the cow was a little "creepy". I guess a 7ft tall cow dressed as Santa was a little weird. We're having breakfast with Santa at their school on Saturday, hopefully, Bodi and Natalie won't be too scared and we can get a good picture.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year....

We finally got the Christmas tree up last week. We waited for the perfect time so the kids could join the fun but they did not get excited as we thought. I guess they decided it was "work" and went off to play. Bryan and I got the tree up and trimmed, and got emotional seeing all the ornaments from the past. We realized how fast time goes by and dread the year we trim the tree after the kids are grown and leave home. Until then, we'll do our best to keep our family traditions alive and make each year memorable.

Santa's little helper - We found the Santa costume while going through some of the boxes. Bodi loved the costume and even wanted to wear it to school the next day.

Thanksgiving

We traveled to Eastern Arkansas and Northwest Mississippi to visit Bryan's family for Thanksgiving. We don't get to see them as much as we would like, so we cherish every minute. The kids had such a great time in the country and enjoyed having lots of room to run and play.

Emma posing, as usual, Bodi's not into it.

Emma and Papaw Jack having a chat.

Emma and her cousins, Cheznie, Carson, and Buck having fun on the swing.

Emma, with Cheznie and Carson, stomping figs.

Emma, Carson, McKenzie, Cheznie, and Bodi

Thanks to everyone for making this trip so wonderful, we miss you all so much!