Christmas in Texas

We spent Christmas at home in Texas this year. David had to work so we embraced Christmas as a family of three.

Owen was SO excited about everything Christmas related. I didn't know if we would ever get him to go to sleep Christmas Eve. He left Santa milk and cookies and even a Lego fireman for Santa to see. He also left the Christmas story on the table for Santa to read. 

There was one thing Owen wanted for Christmas: a big Lego fire station.

And Santa delivered. 

David was on call Christmas Eve and had to work Christmas morning, but was able to be home at 7 when Owen woke up.

Christmas is magical with a three year old. Owen ran out of bed and was so excited to see presents under the tree and the fire station from Santa. He had all kinds of goodies in his stocking.

Daddy gave him his very own stethoscope.

And he also got the Lego hospital that he had wanted. 

Owen got some scrubs just like his dad's.

I love my new plates that David surprised me with. 

We enjoyed opening gifts and lounging in our pajamas and watching the Christmas parade while Daddy went back to round at the hospital. My buddy was extra snuggly this day and ended up running a fever and napping.

We tried to be mindful all day that the reason we celebrate Christmas and give gifts is for Jesus's birthday, so it was only fitting for us to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and have a birthday cake.

I will say it was a very different Christmas. Every other Christmas I have known has been spent with lots of family. We did miss our families, it wasn't the same…and we knew that it wouldn't be. But David and I both agreed it was a good day. It was a good Christmas. I was so grateful he could at least be here when Owen woke up. There was something very peaceful about being home and things being simple. No doubt that Christmas in Texas will always be a Christmas to remember.

pumpkin patch

Today we headed to the local "pumpkin patch." When we pulled up, David said, "Is this it?"...we might have gotten a little spoiled with our pumpkin patch experience last year.

Owen quickly made himself at home and picked up every little pumpkin he could pick up.

We tried to get a picture of the nice little hay bale backdrops...but this little cowboy was on the move.

climbing over pumpkins, on pumpkins, through the pumpkins.

Owen liked the baby pumpkins...they were just right to carry around

So of course he needed two...because two is his favorite number. 

And also the age of this handsome little guy.

We also ran into our neighbors, the Sealeys, and if Owen had sat still we would have a picture to prove it.

But Mama was the lucky girl to get her picture taken with this little man.

By the end of the morning, we had to come to a decision of which lucky pumpkins would get to come home with us.

Owen chose a little baby pumpkin for himself and Mama chose a big pumpkin to carve this weekend, and Daddy was sweet enough to carry it out for her : )

It was a fun morning at Central Christian Church's pumpkin patch. Owen had talked for weeks about going to get a pumpkin with Daddy...so we were glad to share this day together. 

family trip to San Antonio

This past weekend we had the first chance in a while to get out of town and explore Texas. After some advice from friends and family, we chose the vibrant city of San Antonio.

David finished clinic around lunchtime, we we loaded up and headed south to San Antonio. It is about a three and a half hour drive from Waco. We opted to drive through part of the Hill Country to avoid some traffic and made it in perfect time to enjoy some great mexican food at La Fogatas.

The margaritas were top notch and we enjoyed chile rellenos and chicken mole enchiladas.

We stayed at the Marriot Plaza Hotel just a few blocks back from the river walk. The hotel was perfect for us and had beautiful grounds that were ideal for Owen to run around and even...peacocks!

Owen LOVED the peacocks. Somehow I don't think the feeling was mutual, but he sure did enjoy trying to "pet" them. 

Our first stop on Saturday morning was the Alamo.

We enjoyed walking around the city checking out all the sights.

We had a fabulous lunch at Boudro's right on the river walk.

We personally recommend the prickly pear margarita, Texas tea, lobster empanadas and guacamole made table side.

Owen just might have licked that bowl of guacamole clean...it really was that good.

After lunch, we took a boat ride along the river and learned a little history about the river walk.

Then we headed in for nap time. After our crew recharged, we visited the peacocks again and walked back down to the river walk for dinner.

This trip was extra fun because Owen was SO excited about everything.

From the hotel, to the peacocks, to the ducks, using big potties in new places, the boats, the lights and new sights...he had a ball.

And of course we did too, it's just refreshing to get out of town and check out a new place with your favorite people.

More to come...day 2.

Interview Trail SC

We hit the interview trail a couple of weeks ago with David for two interviews in South Carolina. We headed out right after we got home from Thanksgiving in Jackson. We were in Huntsville long enough to unpack, wash clothes and repack. Owen did AMAZINGLY well traveling. David and I know he is a pretty good traveler...but being in the car for 7 hours in one day is alot for a kiddo. On our way there we drove up through Tennesee. It was a pretty drive through the mountains and actually came out in North Carolina and drove down to Spartanburg for interview Number 1.

our travel buddy:

I will say Owen went a little crazy when we got to our hotel room. He ran from one end to another squealing, playing with the closet doors and pulling the toilet paper from the roll and running with it...I suppose he had ALOT of pinned up energy.

Luckily for Owen and me, we had some friends in Spartanburg that were gracious enough to let us hang out with them while David went to dinner with the residency program. Jennifer and Willis were so sweet to welcome us in their beautiful home and even fed us Owen's favorite: pizza! Jen and I were ADPi's at Auburn and Willis also went to school at Auburn and he is now completing his surgical residency in Spartanburg.

Owen was a pretty big fan of their dog, Cammie.

Fun fact: Spartanburg is home to Denny's headquarters.

Sadly, I have no more pictures of Spartanburg. It was rainy and cold so we didn't get out to much.

Then we moved on to Greenwood for interview Number 2.

Greenvwod was a lovely little town. Everyone was very friendly and we spent a couple of days there so we really got a feel for the town. We actually ate at the restaraunt above twice. Great pizza, if you are ever in Greenwood you should try it out.

I am glad David let us tag along for part of his journey on the interview trail. This is just such a complex decision he has to make in the upcoming months. Looking forward to seeing where God will lead us.

Favorite One Year Pics

Wanted to share a few of my favorite one year pics that the fabulous Erin Cobb photographed of our little family. She is always a joy to work with and I think she truly captures the spirit of each child she photographs.

Such special shots she captured. Love them...every single one. Love them!