January - Baby Shower Houston

Tavia and Mom teamed up to throw us a baby shower here in Houston.  We had a blast with friends and family here.  It was great the number of people that showed up to grant us good wishes with the baby.  Again, we got some great stuff for Baby Tristan and had fun talking and mingling.  Thank you everyone for your support and thank you Mom and Tavia for all your efforts!

January - Baby Shower in New Orleans

Jon and I went over to New Orleans to visit the family in January.  It was to be our last trip that way before Baby Tristan comes.  Cindy threw a lovely baby shower for us while we were there.  We got to visit with family members, got some lovely gifts for our upcoming little one, and just enjoyed the whole thing.  Thank you Cindy for everything and thank you to the family for all your love and support!

Decemeber - Christmas Day

For Christmas, Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Debbie, Cousin Shannon and her daughter came to visit.  I haven't seen Shannon in years, and never meet her daughter before hand.  It was great to be able to meet more of the family and to spend more time with part of the family that I don't get to see very often.

Jon and I had our own small Christmas at home before we headed over to Mom's house for presents and food.  It was nice to start our own little Christmas traditions and to start figuring out how and when we wanted to do things like open presents, visit family, have Christmas dinner, etc.  And to be able to bring together both our families traditions into ours.

Afterwards we went over to Moms.  Christmas morning was eventful but settled down.  We also celebrated my grandmother's birthday so she did not feel that her birthday was overlooked.  One of the best parts was the excitement she had with her gifts. 

Shaylea

 Sam playing in a wig.  Good Christmas entertainment.

Dinner with the Family - Mom, Sam, Mamaw, Ryan, Uncle Jimmy, Shaylea, Aunt Debbie, Shannon, Me, Jon

Me and Jon

Mamaw blowing out her birthday cake.

November - Becca Visits

Around Thanksgiving time, I was blessed with the presence of my bestest bud who had moved to DC when I left for overseas.  Becca came down to visit her family for the holiday and we had a nice little gathering of friends since we rarely get to see her.  It was fun to catch up and eat.  I got to finally give her her Christmas presents and it was just great to see each other. 

Becca's Scottish Quilt

Becca and myself

November - Texas Ren Fest

Another couple trips to the Texas Renaissance Festival.   We were able to make the two trips with some good friends, and enjoyed seeing some of the acts that we don't usually get to see.  I always enjoy seeing the costumes and just wandering around.