Ice Skating-Take 2!!

We took the gang to Barton Creek Resort to check out the ice skating. It was fun but coooooold!! Gaby was so excited to go back out there!! This time I let her daddy enjoy the ice and I stayed on the side lines. Turns out this was Byron's first time ice skating (how did I not know that??) He did great for a first timer but of course according to him- "I'm an athlete. I can do any sport well." Well, excuuuuse me ;-) Can you tell poor Pita was freezing?? Gaby really got the hang of ice skating now and keeps asking to go back. Too bad this rink is only seasonal.

Christmas in Orange 2010

Our annual early Christmas in Orange can be summarized in a few words: lots of great presents, Mimi's famous fried chicken dinner (YUM!!), hot chocolate, naps, homemade candy, playing with our new toys, keeping up with a very mobile Tanner, and hearing two little girls adorable giggles and deep conversations!!

Christmas Show

Gaby's preschool put on a little Christmas show tonight. They did mostly spanish songs but also some english versions. She is definitely getting used to being on stage. She did great and they all sang so well! Very cute :) Gaby with her classmates waiting to go onstage... A rousing rendition of "Feliz Navidad"...

Ice Skating!

I took Gaby ice skating for the first time today!! The Barton Creek Resort has set up this very neat indoor ice skating rink. We were excited to try it out and see if Gaby would like ice skating or not. Gaby's best bud, Ellington, and her mom joined us! There were, of course, a couple of falls....

Which Gaby did not like very much... But overall she did really awesome for her first time on the ice! She ended up skating about 4-5 feet from the wall to me all by herself. We had a great morning! Of course, finishing it off with some s'mores didn't hurt at all :) Hopefully we can go back again soon!!

Santa Photo 2010

This year there was no fear going to see Old Saint Nick. Just the tiniest bit of shyness at first but really more excitement than anything. Gaby was very happy to give Santa her letter and tell him what she wanted this year. The girl taking the photo only had to take one shot and it turned out so darn cute :)

Here's Gaby's letter to Santa....

I love the fact that she doesn't grasp how much she could actually get if she asked for it. The truth is the bicycle was my idea. All she really wants is nail polish and another barbie. Oh, the innocence and sweetness! I'm sure in a few years the list will be pages and pages long. We should cherish this moment. *sigh*

Winter Dance Recital

The new dance studio we go to puts on two dance recitals during the year. There's the very informal December recital and then the more formal, larger production in June. So this past weekend was Gaby's recital. The girls danced to Snuggle Puppy and got to bring a puppy on stage with them. They did so great! There was a little bit of shyness but overall did so much better than at their last recital.

Most of the gang- Maddie, Hampton, Sloan, her mommy Carrie, Gaby & Ellington.

Waiting to go on stage...

Getting on their marks...

Actual synchronization...

A little tiny bit of shyness...

Our proud little ballerina with the flowers her daddy gave her...

Snuggle Puppy

Beautiful Drawings

Gaby's drawing is becoming so much more detailed. She is so good at sitting, concentrating and producing a beautiful piece of art. Much I am told, like I used to do :) Lately, it's stick figures and flowers. And her handwriting is impressive! So stinking cute!!!

Thanksgiving 2010

This year Thanksgiving was at the farm in Louisiana. Unfortunately, everyone but Mimi & I had to work until Wednesday evening. So Gaby and I decided to head out early picking up Mia and Mimi on our way, to enjoy a few extra days at the farm together. Thanksgiving at the farm is summed up in just a few words: way too much food, an abundance of family, and lots of outdoor fun! I only took out my camera a couple of times in between stuffing my face but I did manage to get the Third Annual Cousin Photo Shoot accomplished. For your viewing pleasure... After that it was time play with the cows... This according to Mia was Sadie... When the Tan-Man arrived on Thanksgiving Day I had to get some shots of that cuteness... There was very little sitting still so this was the best I could get with MawMaw...

All in all we had a great holiday, as usual :)

Will's Baptism

Our good friends who we met in St. Louis, John & Pauline Dallas, moved to Austin this summer! In St. Louis, we were like family and we have had so much fun hanging out with them again and getting to know their adorable little boy, Will. Yesterday was his baptism and we were so honored to be invited to be a part of his special day. Gaby just loooves Baby Will!!!