dallas

We randomly decided to take a quick trip to Dallas right before Christmas.  I had borrowed some lights from my mom for our ward Christmas party and Kristin then needed them for HER Christmas party.  Since my mom didn't want the lights mailed, we had to hand deliver them ourselves.  It was just a good excuse to see my sisters.

On Friday night, we decided to paint the town red in Chad's new ride he had just gotten that day. 

His new Lexus is pretty sweet.

We decided to do a little Christmas shopping and get a little dessert at Cheesecake factory.

 The next morning was Sophie's birthday party.  We were lucky enough to be there the same weekend.  She had a SKATING party---this seems to be a lost sport.  My boys were excited to try. 

 Skating is a lot more work than you would think! These boys were sweating and worn out after all was said and done.

Happy Birthday sweet Sophie!!

 We also decided to go visit the REAL Santa down at The Plaza.  Boston had informed me earlier that week that not ALL of those Santa's are the REAL thing.  After the boys met THIS Santa his response was, "THAT was the REAL Santa.  He called me by name!"

 The kids even got to meet his real reindeer.

 Later that evening, we headed over to Kari's.  Unfortunately, we didn't get to see too much of her because Brandon just had surgery the day previous and was in the hospital.  That family has been through a lot this last year.  At least they have sweet little baby Savannah in the midst of it all.  I was SO happy to meet my newest, TINIEST little niece.

Sunday, we only stayed long enough for sacrament meeting, made a stop at the hospital the check on Brandon and then bailed back to Houston. 

Christmas was calling...