Holidays at Home

We were back in Texas for 10 days in December for my brother's graduation and the Christmas holidays.  It was so great seeing my brother graduate from my alma mater, and it was fantastic getting to spend so much time with family and friends who we don't get to see that often.

Jacob's Graduation from Texas A&M - WHOOP!!

Our whole family made it to Jacob's graduation, and it seems every other student's whole family came as well - it was packed!  We were lucky to find any seats at all, but after just a little bit into the ceremony, some families left (guess their student was one of the first ones called) which allowed us to actually get good seats for Jacob's walk across the stage.

Christmas with the Family

Christmas time with the family included all of our usual traditions, which are always fun and very special :)

Cookie Time

Everyone gets involved in the cookie making process - it's tradition!

Always have to create the A&M cookies :)

Dad always makes the 'masterpiece' cookie.  He's so creative!

All the cookies!

Christmas Eve Dinner

Mine and Matt's Christmas tradition is to go to the Christmas Eve service at our old church and to have dinner before hand.  It is a nice excuse to dress up and very special evening for us :)

Christmas Morning

Lots of stockings! Big family :)

 Reading the Christmas story :)

Fun Time with Friends! :)

We always make sure to make time for seeing our friends when we are home, but I almost always forget/neglect to take pictures.  This time I was better! Not perfect, but better :)  I was so happy to remember (most of the time) to take pictures as we actually got to see some friends we haven't seen in several years!

The Schwendemans

 Haven't gotten to see these guys for about 1.5 years.  It was good to catch up :)

The Boffs

My old college roommate, Devon Boff, who I haven't gotten to see for years!  It was so, so good to see her and spend time with her precious family.

Dallas-ites :)

With Thea and Whitney at Capital Pub

Lakewood Brewery with Thea

Missed Pics :(

I totally forgot to get a pic with my dear friend, Marla, who I didn't get to see last year. We were very happy we got to catch up with her and her husband this year.  Also, missed out on pics with our good friend, Kate, who we never get to meet up with when we are home for Christmas due to her crazy schedule.  So glad we got to make it work this year!

As always, Christmas at home was lovely, and every time we go home it gets harder and harder to leave.  Can't wait for our next visit :)