An eventful Christmas season

We were very blessed this Christmas season to get to spend 10 days with my side of the family! We started off the celebrations at my youngest sister Emily's wedding to Basilio Rocha. We already love "Bossy" and are so happy to have him as an official part of our family. It was a beautiful ceremony, very touching, and made for a very happy, happy day! The kids performed their duties in the ceremony well for the most part... although Gabriella did have to supply a little drama by banging her legs into the stage while throwing her rose petals off of it. She had to leave for a bit but was able to join us again later :)


We got to spend some fun times with all of our extended family that was in Texas for the wedding. Many wild and crazy times were had which will not be surprising to you if you know my extended family. There were microwave fires to be put out, embarrassing games, and an uncle thrown into the frigid swimming pool!

After the wedding festivities died down we relaxed for a few days and then my parents, Megan and her family and our family drove down to Galveston to spend a few days at Moody Gardens exploring the museums, theaters, and activities there. We had a great time and the kids were so thrilled to get to stay in a hotel... one of their favorite things to do and something Oliver has been asking about since our hotel stay last year.

Megan and her family

Gabriella dancing with a gopher

Having fun!

At the aquarium

After Galveston, we went back to my parent's house to spend the rest of the Christmas holiday. We went to the Houston Galleria, the Rainforest Cafe (a special treat my parents always like to do for the kids), spent a lot of time jumping on their trampoline, relaxing in the hot tub, and playing games. We were so grateful to have so much quality time with our family that we love so much!

Pepe reading "Llama llama holiday drama!"

Christmas Eve we had fun playing some games, acting out the Christmas story, and having our traditional finger food dinner. The kids were very excited for Santa to come and to open their gifts on Christmas morning. It really is a magical time to spend with a child.

Mary, Baby Jesus, Joseph and the shepherds

Cousins in their matching Christmas jammies

Setting out cookies for Santa

Sisters in our matching Christmas jammies (Emily was on her way home from Jamaica)

Baby's first Christmas... holding her new teething giraffe. And just in time too - she's currently working on cutting her first tooth!

Wearing our matching Bucees Christmas T-shirts (Melia was napping)

Merry Christmas!