Monday, December 22, 2008

Weekend of celebrations!

Things are CRAZY around here, with Christmas just around the corner! We had a busy weekend full of family and celebrations! On Friday night, my brother Brian and his family got into town. They left South Carolina Thursday afternoon, spent the night in Memphis, then drove all day Friday to get here. I hadn't seen them since July and I couldn't believe how big Emma and Lauren were! We all went out to dinner and got caught up.

Saturday was Justin's 28th Birthday!! We took Barrett to see Santa that morning at a local restaurant. He's a pretty easy-going baby, so I didn't figure there would be any tears. There were only a few people in line when we got there, so Barrett was able to watch Santa from across the room for a little while. When it was our turn, I took him up closer and Santa told me "take it slow, Mommy." He's obviously been doing this awhile and knows how to handle little ones! I sat down beside him and Barrett just looked him over. He's into pointing these days, so he pointed at his {real} white beard and even felt it real quick. Then I put him on Santa's knee and let him tell what he wanted for Christmas. I'm pretty sure he said "me want a pony, Santa."




This was a pretty special Santa trip for me too. This Santa happens to have been a Pastor a few years ago, and he married Justin and I. He is a very sweet man, and he enjoyed meeting Barrett.

We spotted Santa's "sleigh" as we were leaving the restaurant!

*****
Saturday afternoon we took Barrett over to a Norah Kate's house to play while we went out for a quick Birthday lunch. Megan said he looked a little worried when I first left, but he warmed up after awhile. We'd planned to see a movie for Justin's birthday, but there wasn't anything good at the theatre. We ended up having dinner and cake out at Justin's parents that evening.

We were just hanging out on the couch and around 10pm, I heard my cell phone ringing. As soon as I saw "Jenn" on the ID, I knew what she was calling for! Jenn is my little brother'[s girlfriend. She is a super sweet and beautiful girl. She is an Interior Design graduate from K-State, just like me. So obviously she's got great taste! She and Brandon have been dating for two years and we've gotten to know Jenn pretty well. We have a lot in common and get along great. Sunday, the 21st was her birthday and Brandon proposed to her Saturday night!! She was calling to tell me she was engaged! They had met in Denver for the weekend to celebrate her birthday. Brandon took her to dinner and then proposed after a horse and carriage ride. I am so excited to be getting another great sister. I am so lucky!

CONGRATS Brandon & Jenn!!
I love you both and am so excited for a wedding!

Justin and I had a similar engagement experience in December 2001...He celebrated his birthday on the 20th and then the following evening we had dinner and a horse and carriage ride at the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. He proposed to me while we were riding through streets.

It was perfect, as I'm sure my little brother's proposal was too! Justin and Brandon have a lot in common and get along (tease each other) great too. I remember the story of a nervous Justin going out to my parent's house to ask them if he could marry me. I was so proud that he had done that. My little brother made me proud too. He asked Jenn's parent's a couple weeks ago.
*****
On Sunday, we went to Derby for Christmas with my mom's side of the family. We always get together for a Mexican dinner and gift exchange. My Aunt Deb's house is always amazing at Christmas. She has the best decorations...even holiday bedspreads on all the beds and trees in every room. It was so warm and cozy.

Barrett & Gigi

Sarah & Lauren

Aunt Deb's beautiful tree and a room full of presents

We had chicken tortilla soup, enchiladas, Mexican meatballs, dips, chips and margaritas. And of course there were holiday treats everywhere.. White chocolate popcorn, cookies, toffee and more!

Barrett opened his first gifts ever! He seemed to like it.


He got some fun things and looks like he is going to love Christmas morning!!

Garrett, Tanner and Gannon all got marshmallow guns made by Brian!
We had mallows everywhere...my poor Aunt Clara!

It was a wonderful weekend!

5 comments:

  1. That looks like so much fun! Barrett is going to have a wonderful first Christmas. You and hubby will have so much fun watching him! Have a Merry Christmas. We begin our "Christmasing" tonite!

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  2. Whoa. So much information! Love all the pictures. I can't wait to finally see you! I have been in town for 2 whole days, seems longer than that. :) But then again I will be able to see you anytime for months! I knew when we spoke on Saturday that I was forgetting something... Justin's birthday. Tell him happy belated for me and that I am sorry. See you today hopefully.

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  3. You really did have a wonderful weekend. Congrats to your brother and his fiance. Love the horse and carriage engagement stories - so sweet and romantic. Barrett was also way too cute with Santa.

    Merry Christmas!!

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  4. I can't get over Barrett in that little button down shirt. What a doll! Can't wait to see him open presents. Congratulations to Brandon and Jenn.

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  5. Wow! You all have been super busy! You're going to have lots of fun with the fridge farm. We've had one up for 4 years now and I don't see it coming down anytime soon.

    Barrett was adorable with Santa. He looked just a tad bit worried in that last picture. :-)

    Hope you had a great Christmas and are enjoying a relaxing weekend!

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