Camping on Christmas Break

We were supposed to head to Big Bend National Park on Sunday, but the weather in west Texas turned out too cold and snowy so we headed south to Guadalupe River State Park. We've been hiking, biking, cooking and whittling sticks for the past two days. 

Christmas Day

The kids woke up before 6am on Christmas morning. They had been warned not to wake us up before 6:00, so they went into the playroom and were distracted by the tv for another hour. When they finally dragged us out of bed, we went down to the living room and dove into the presents that Santa left us. All three kids received very large stuffed animals - Madeleine got a cheetah, James a panda and Charlotte a unicorn. Santa also gave each of us nerf guns and a mid-morning nerf battle ensued. Madeleine finally received the desk for her room she has been begging for. James got a race track with Bugatti and Lamborghini race cars (he asked for a Bugatti for Christmas). And Santa brought Charlotte a display case for her taekwondo belts and a scooter. 

Later that afternoon we headed over to my parents' house to celebrate Christmas with my family. We missed having JeanMarie there but otherwise it was a happy celebration. 

New Christmas Eve Tradition?

Brannon was on call Christmas Eve, so after dinner we all got on our Christmas pjs, made some hot chocolate (even though it was 70 degrees out) and hopped in the car. We hit the Krispy Kreme drive through and set out to see some Christmas lights. Madeleine's favorite display was the cowboy Santa with the horses and James' favorite was the singing pandas. I think Charlotte probably liked the donuts the best. 😉

 

Christmas with the Cousins

This year the kids' gift from their cousins were experiences rather than physical gifts. Tiffany took the girls for a sleepover, a performance of Madeleine's Christmas and a visit to the Perot Museum. 

John took James for a trip to the Lakehouse where they fished, cleaned their catch and fried it up for dinner. And on the way back to Dallas, they stopped in Grand Saline for a tour of the salt museum there. 

All three kids really enjoyed their special time with their family. 

Christmas Parties and Re-enactments

It's that time of year again! Christmas preparations and parties for everyone!

Charlotte was student of the week this week so she gave her "all about me" report to her class. She brought a poster of pictures of herself and her family to share with the class. The kids then took turns asking her questions about her report. I loved watching her expressions and hearing her answers - this kid does not have stage fright!

Madeleine had a speaking part as an angel at the Posadas celebration during Mass on the last day of school. 

All three kids enjoyed making a craft at their school Christmas parties. I'm pretty sure they enjoyed the special snacks too. I was running between the three parties which of course all occurred at the same time, so I did not get any pictures of the snacks. 

Madeleine also had a part as an angel at the Childrens' Mass on Christmas Eve. It was standing room only at the Mass, which was held in the gym at the Community Center. We arrived fairly early and were able to secure three seats (Brannon was working). When an elderly man with a walker walked in just before the start of the Mass, James offered to sit on the floor and Charlotte sat in my lap so the man and his wife could have a seat. I was so proud of James!! He is learning how to act like a gentleman. Madeleine also did a great job that day when she followed through on her commitment to be in the nativity re-enactment even though she was very disappointed at not being picked to be Mary or the lead angel. 

Belated Bday Party & More

For his birthday last April, James really wanted to take his best friend Jake to Great Wolf Lodge. We were finally able to make it happen - in December! The kids had a blast with their friends Jake and Henry (Jake's older brother who is in Madeleine's class). They slept like babies after all the swimming and exploring. 

Later that weekend we went to see Peter Pan at the 360 Theater. It was a very unique live experience with the actors flying through the air and the stage moving to change with the different scenes. We went with William and Shirley - it was one of the kids' Christmas presents from them. Plus, it was William's birthday as well. The kids really enjoyed it. 

Christmas Craziness

Here is a recap of what has been going on with the Marlowes the past week or so... It is a busy time of year!

Charlotte and I attended the Kindergarden Mother/Daughter Tea & Ornament Exchange. She loved putting the sugar cubes in her tea and stirring them in the fancy china teacups. 

Madeleine's Girl Scout troop sold the necklaces, bracelets, bags and notepads they made at the GS Holiday Bazaar. The girls learned about what it takes to design and create a product as well as what factors are important in starting a business. They had a blast and made around $150 for the troop. 

James and Charlotte performed in the CKS Christmas program. Charlotte played the bells and James had a drum solo. They both sang several songs with their class and then visited Santa afterwards in the Parish Center while enjoying Christmas cookies and hot chocolate. 

James' grade went on a field trip to the St. Joseph's retirement community in Iak Cliff. They sang several Christmas songs and handed out homemade cards and ornaments to the residents. 

Madeleine and I attended her 4th Grade Mother/Daughter Christmas Party & Ornament Exchange. The girls had a great time playing together - apparently having on your best Christmas dress does not stop you from climbing trees or jumping on the trampoline! 

Taekwondo Tournament

James and Charlotte participated in a taekwondo tournament yesterday. The both competed in their age group and belt class in forms and sparring. Both James and Charlotte received gold medals for their forms. James won second in his division for sparring and Charlotte won first. The poor boy she sparred had no idea how the deal with the girl who came at him kicking and never let up! 😂

Notice the score on the monitor - 39 to 1

First Reconciliation

James made his First Reconciliation yesterday. We are so proud of the little man he is becoming. 

Altar Server

Madeleine served at Mass for the first time today. She did a great job in her role as 3rd server. We are so proud of her!

Grandparents' Day 2015

The kids had a great time showing off their school to their Grandparents William and Shirley today. Unfortunately Granddad Stanley woke up sick and so he and Grandmother Stanley couldn't make it today. Thanksgiving break has official begun!

Las Vegas

Had a great weekend with my bestie! My first time in Vegas: saw a show (Britney Spears), did some shopping, went dancing at Drais, and ran a (very windy) race!