Trip to Sugarland

Meeting the twins

Nadia holding a baby for the first time – her cousin Caleb.

We headed down to Sugarland, TX for a quick trip to see Chris and Jen’s twins and to meet Lisa and Michael’s new son Matthew. It was a whirlwind, but so fun! I have been dying to see the boys and was so happy we worked it out for a visit. Nadia was not sure what all the hype was since they couldn’t “play”, but then she thought it was cool to hold one of the boys. Jen suggested we head for the park since it was a beautiful day and our girls had been cooped up in the car all morning. While the kids played and Chris walked the boys in their stroller Jen and I chatted. Her mom Jane came by and we had a quick visit.

Meeting the twins

Nadia is so strong.

Meeting the twinsMeeting the twins

Sweet sisters.

That night we headed over to Pearl Dynasty to have dinner and meet Matthew. Nadia and Angelina were so happy to see each other and started to play right away. Meanwhile Amelie tried to eat her weight in spring rolls.

Meeting the twins

Meeting the twins

Meeting the twins

Thank God for His blessings poured out on our two families. And that we live close enough to see each other regularly. The next morning we got up and had breakfast, packed up and went back to Chris and Jen’s. I had the girls bring in their toys and books and they had a great time showing Jen everything while Mike and I fed and held the babies. It made my heart so happy.

Meeting the twins

Meeting the twins

This photo is precious! Thank for having us for a visit!

Young Chefs

Young Chef

Young Chef

Young Chef

We had a gift certificate for Young Chefs from a fundraiser earlier in the year and in November we had a chance for Nadia to redeem it. It would be an understatement to say that she loved it. They made pumpkin whoopie pies (with filling) and Mulled Cider. She practically begged me to sign up for the weekly program they sell for a class each week. I told her that she already did other stuff, but she could help me with the cooking more and more. Needless to say she has been inspired and helped me make a ton of our Christmas goodies. For Christmas she made her Grandpa Brian a set of 3 BBQ rubs. She went with me to buy the spices, measured everything out and then put them in the jars.

Young Chef

This is Amelie on the other side of the glass wondering when it will be her turn. One of the chefs came out and brought her a small chair and kitchen toys to play with which I thought was sweet.

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Her Papa and Grandma Brooke sent her a set of kitchen tools that are child sized and 3 very cool kids cookbooks for Christmas. She has already baked “Yummy Hunny Cookies” and looks forward to doing more in the New Year. I am really happy that the gift certificate has made her even more interested in cooking.

Polar Express 2011

Polar Express 2011

We headed to the Polar Express PJ party at the science and history museum the week before Christmas. The same as last year they had science experiments for the kids and hot chocolate for everyone before the movie started. Families are encouraged to come to the event in their jammies and aside from the popcorn I think that was Nadia’s favorite part. During the science experiment time she saw frost being created, how salt and sugar affect large blocks of ice and they did “a snow storm in your hand” which was very cool. We showed the movie to Amelie in advance so she wouldn’t be afraid of the loud sounds. She sat on my lap for about half an hour, but otherwise she did great. This is such a fun event and I hope that the museum continues to do it for years to come.

Polar Express 2011

Making a bracelet at the craft table.

Polar Express 2011