And finally a Christmas post...or book.

When the Deacon family decided Christmas in Dallas was the best choice for this year, I was very excited. Not only would we not have to travel, but Fiona would get to enjoy her first Christmas at home! Then I remembered how small our Condo is...and Bess and Jacob's apartment...and started getting a little nervous. But after a week and a half of visitors I still wasn't even close to being ready for everyone to leave, and got teary-eyed on the last night. I love my family. Sometimes it's easy to get lost in so much "stuff" at Christmas time, but I couldn't have asked for a nicer Christmas holiday just hanging out in our little condo (and Bess and Jacob's apartment) with good company, good food and good drinks. (And the good food and drinks were an added bonus!)

The first to arrive was Gram Gram. Luckily she stayed with us for a few nights, and Fiona got to spend lots of time with her before more grandkids came and wanted her attention too.

We had fun decorating lots of cookies...

One thing we definitely didn't think we'd have to worry about was weather, but on Christmas Eve we had the most beautiful Texas snow I've ever seen. All day I was so excited about getting a White Christmas! And then it turned very icy, my car got stuck, and we contemplated canceling Christmas Eve so the Browns, Jablonskis and Jesse wouldn't have to brave the "blizzard." Luckily Jim thought that was ridiculous, so gifts were loaded up (and sleeping bags just in case) and we had a lovely cozy evening...and no one got stuck on the way home :)

Side note: Living in Dallas has turned me into such a winter wimp. Can you imagine thinking of changing Christmas plans because of a couple inches of snow?! Yes, we're (or at least I'm) crazy.

We had a quiet Christmas morning with just our family and Gram Gram.

I know it doesn't come across in pictures, but Fiona really was tickled by her new toys...lots of little grins and squeals. She was so hesitant at first, almost as if wondering if they were really for her. She's SO sweet!

Jon, not so much. He wasn't happy to be out of bed before 9...

Thanks goodness his mood changed for mass...

See, real snow!

Everyone was VERY excited (after a brief scare that they might not make it) when the Aaron and Kate Deacons arrived the day after Christmas.

Fiona LOVED Caroline. A lot...

And while Caroline was happy to play with her for a while...

Fiona's feelings weren't quite reciprocated...

Later on, Fiona sure showed her...

One of my favorite parts of the whole weekend was Bess and Jacob's tamale party. It was such a success! They took care of all the preparation and then everyone came to actually assemble the tamales, drink fresh margaritas, and of course...eat them...SO SO delicious!

Awesome, awesome idea. Nice job guys!

And finally everyone left. I was in withdrawal for a week.

But we did learn that Fiona not only likes her dad's beers, but apparently Uncle Aaron's too.

And all you need to keep little boys entertained in 1000 square feet is a Wii (or tamale party...which is probably a better idea...).

And Fiona loves baby dolls. Thanks to Caroline for introducing them.

Thanks again to all of you who made the trek here. We love you and can't wait to do it again!!!