December 31. 2015

Last post of 2015. A good but full year. We had a baby, moved, Francis quit his job to finish school, and we had kiddos turn 2 and 4. Crazy.

We've been out and about so writing on here has been impossible. Christmas was great. One of the best in fact because we got to see both sides of the family.

We headed to Dallas the Tuesday before Christmas (with a sick but recovering Robert) and made it in time for dinner. Sweetie and Papa were glad to see us as was Aunt Dani. Wednesday, Francis was able to go golfing with his Dad while the boys, Danielle, mom and I decorated cookies. The boys also drove the Gator around the yard. Robert's getting to be a good driver (though William disagrees), but his dismount while William is driving gets him run over every time. Some how he thinks it's funny. William is learning the ins and outs of driving on Papa's land and at one point got the Gator stuck in a ditch such that my dad had to tow him out. This meant William got to drive on the road as he followed Papa back to the house. He was super proud of himself. Danielle and my dad also assembled a small trampoline with a handle that plays music for the kids to play on for years to come. Not an easy task but it was well used. Aunt Camille and Mom and Pop Noble arrive Wednesday and we had a wonderful dinner at Rudy's before chatting the night away by tree light.

Thursday was Christmas Eve. I put together the program for our Christmas eve service, and in addition to every one already there, Christian, and Chad arrived with the twins. The babies have grown since last I saw them, and they are as cute as ever. Hannah took an interest in them, and kept staring when they came in range. Speaking of Hannah, she loved everything about Christmas. She smiled, laughed, chatted and was so content, it was like she'd always been there. Sweet times. After a wonderful ham dinner, we all gathered in the living room (this was the first time have Christmas as Sweetie and Papa's new house) and had our service. Pop prayed, Dad played the piano, Mom Noble did a devotional, Francis read the Christmas story in French, Christian read it in Italian and Danielle and William read it in English. Aunt Camille sang what child is this, Danielle and I sand a duet called, "You're here", we sand many carols and ended with Robert leading us in Happy Birthday to Jesus, a candle lighting and singing of Silent Night. It was a special time focused on the Jesus and the love he showed when he came that first Christmas. Then there were presents. Hannah sat in a walker and watched everyone open presents. I'm proud of the boys; they were so thankful for all they received. I opened Hannah's presents with her and she was very intrigued with both the gifts and the cardboard surrounding them. She won't remember her first Christmas, but I always will. She got toys, clothes (including beautiful dresses), a bow holder,  stuffed animals and a few "busy" toy activity/ luvie blankets.

The next morning, Christian and Chad returned with the twins and Danielle and Camille came back from Danielle's house. Christmas lunch was made by the most amazing cooks. Before we ate, we opened stockings. Robert got big boy underwear (which he has now worn successfully for two days), and candy, which the boys ate right away. Christmas lunch was delicious. Thanks to my mom, Hannah had her first food: mashed potatoes. She was less than thrilled. I have a video. Merry Christmas Hannah; you got to eat food. We haven't tried again since then, but we likely will soon. After lunch, I got my customary coke float, and got to hold the twins and Hannah at the same time (and all sleeping!). It was wonderful, and all too short. The boys played some board games before it was time to go.  We headed out around 2:30 to Francis's parents' house to begin Christmas Part 2. When we arrived, Abby, Cyndy and Chris were there.Christmas dinner was also noteworthy, ending with Jesus Birthday cake and chocolate fondue. We read the Christmas story once more and sang. Then a second round of presents. It is worth noting that the kids only got one present per Christmas celebration (2 total) and they were totally ok with that. This time, the boys got a bunch of Wild Kratt gear and Hannah got more girly baby things.  All three got a gift card to Build-a-Bear from their Aunt Cyndy, Uncle Chris and Abby. Funny enough, Hannah slept through everything, so we had to do some of it (open presents) a second time when she awoke. After the kids went to bed, the adults stayed up and talked and laughed, until we were all tired. I went to bed with my face hurting from 3 full days of smiling.

Saturday morning, the whole Phillips clan headed out tot he mall to use the Build-a-Bear gift cards. William and Robert chose dragon's from How To Train Your Dragon, and Hannah and Abby got corresponding Anna and Elsa Teddy Bears. A great time was had by all and the boys' dragons even have light sabers (crazy, I know!). We eventually left the mall after lunch and they kids napped while Francis's parents and I began a (card) game of 500. Before we finished though, Chris and Cyndy were ready, and the four of us went clearance Christmas decorations shopping while Nana and Grandad watched the kids. We got a new tree for a fraction of the cost (ours was on its last leg)! We got back in time to feed Hannah, before heading out again on a date night. While driving, the warning sirens started going off all around us. I checked my phone, called my dad and when he said we were clear, we hurried to the theater. We saw the new Star Wars. Such a fun movie! The food was good (Studio Movie Grill) and the company (Francis) delightful. Thanks for watching the kiddos Nana and Grandad!

The weather was wretched throughout the next day  (including two bouts of hail) so instead of leaving Sunday, we waited and left Monday morning. This meant one more day of playing with my in-laws. No one complained about that to be sure! Our trip home was smooth and we have since been unpacking and putting things away. Francis has had the week off since the University is physically closed, so we have loved having him around. Today (New Year's Eve), we went to the Chilrden's Museum to ring in the New Year at noon. They did a balloon/confetti drop, the kids made hats and poppers and everyone cheered. It was so fun. Hannah watched with amazement and even sat up for a long while watching. She's getting good at moving around, and not just in her walker. I anticipate a crawler all too soon.. But not until 2016. It's going to be a New Year in less than 12 hours. So long, 2015...I am so glad I experienced you.

Till next year!