Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Snow arrived in Dallas yesterday and Kaelyn got to see snow for the very first time! We heard it snowed on Christmas eve, but we were in East Texas and missed it. Robbie made it home in time to help capture the moment (and avoid the traffic on the bad roads). We bundled her all up and went outside for some playtime.

Visit to Santa...AGAIN

Here's a little insight into my craziness...I was not at all pleased with Kaelyn's first visit to Santa and the picture that was taken. I spent several sleepless nights concocting a plan to visit a "better-looking" Santa. I'm a little obsessive with my scrapbooking and wanted Kaelyn's first visit to be so special, so we decided to put Kaelyn into her dress again and take her for another picture at Northpark Center on Sunday after church. I checked into the times and found out we could pick up a ticket for our turn in line beginning at 10 a.m. We arrived at 10:45 a.m. and got our ticket with family in tow. We were #139 and were told that we wouldn't be seen until after 4 p.m. that afternoon. Five hours is a bit too long to hang out at the mall for any daddy and baby (plus we were hosting our small group Christmas party later in the evening and needed to get home), so we decided we'd try again Monday. Robbie picked up a ticket at 9 a.m. on Monday morning and we were #104. Santa's helper told us that we could come back anytime after 2:30 (but before 7 p.m.) and hand in our ticket and they'd place us in line with no more than a 15-20 minute wait (Genius plan!). We arrived around 6 p.m. and didn't have to wait at all. The picture turned out much better and now I'm a happy Mommy! Robbie, you are the best for putting up with me!

Mysterious Package from Santa

Yesterday, Kaelyn received a mysterious package from Santa in the mail straight from Candy Cane Lane in the North Pole. Santa wrote her a sweet letter along with her Christmas package with a "First Christmas" ornament inside. Here is what the letter said:

Dear Kaelyn,

You have been such a sweet little girl and have given your

mom and dad so much joy. Since you have been so good this

year, I wanted to give you an early Christmas present. This is

your first ornament from me, so ask mom and dad to place it

somewhere on your tree.

Just remember as you wait for Christmas Day;

that the reason for the season is Jesus's birthday!

Love, Santa

We love you Santa!

ICE, ICE, and Baby...(How the Grinch Stole an Entire Saturday Evening)

Last weekend the Hudson family drove out to the Gaylord Texan to see ICE!, an ice sculpture exhibit featuring Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The plan was to see the exhibit at 5 p.m. and then go eat dinner together. I thought we would be home by 8 p.m. When we got there, we were told it was sold out until 9:30 p.m., and it was running about an hour behind. We didn't get home until almost 1 a.m.! Kaelyn was such a trooper! It was amazing that she didn't get fussy considering her circumstances--she went 4 hours without realizing she hadn't eaten, 7 hours without sleeping (unless you want to count the 10 minute nap while waiting in line), went way too long without a diaper change, and endured 9 degree temperatures for about half an hour. Let's just say that it wasn't our best day as parents. But, we got pictures!

Our little family snuggled in our huge parkas!

"Mom, I'm really over this Grinch thing. Can I please just sleep?"

"I trust you Mom, even though we look like a Sumo Wrestler."

The whole gang

The Grinch and the feast at Who-Ville

Who-Ville Ring Around the Rosy

The Grinch and the famous Ice Slide (which was a total blast)

Remembering the Reason for the Season, the birth of Christ

Roly Poly

Tonight as I was fixing dinner, I put Kaelyn on her playmat. I looked over to check on her and saw that she was on her stomach. I got confused because I was pretty sure that I put her on her back so she could play with the octopus (one of her best friends). I thought I was losing my mind, so I flipped her over and went back to cooking. Next thing I knew, she was on her tummy again reaching for her mirror and bugs. I couldn't believe I had missed her rolling over for the first time. I called Robbie instantly and told him all about it. Since he was on his way home, we decided to keep her off her back and try it again together. When he got home, we pulled out the video camera and this is what happened.

Thanksgiving, Santa and Canton

The Hudson family traveled to Longview for Thanksgiving and spent 4 days visiting family and friends. It was so nice to be there for a lengthy period of time to ensure quality time spent with everyone! Robbie and I enjoyed relaxing and spending some time with each other as well. We watched the Aggies hold their own against Texas (only to lose in the end) and watched Alabama beat Auburn. The food was wonderful and we enjoyed our trip so much!

Kaelyn getting sweet kisses from KK! Nap time with Mimi! Trying to figure out how to get Minnie Mouse's nose in my mouth with PawPaw! Relaxing with GiGi at the Killian Thanksgiving! Snuggling with Nana! Spending time with Aunt Lisette. Great-Aunt Kim is hilarious! Watching the Aggies play football with Brice!

Over the break, Robbie and I took Kaelyn for her first picture with Santa Clause. Poor Kaelyn got dressed up twice for the picture. We first took her to the Frisco mall and got in line. Robbie suddenly realized that Santa was not dressed in his suit, but rather in a night-gown looking shirt and what he called "lifesaver knee socks" (our friends call him Business Casual Santa). This was unacceptable to Robbie, so we pulled her out of line. Before the next trip, I spent some time investigating other mall Santas (since the real Santa is preparing for his big day in the North Pole), and we found Santa in a suit at the WillowBend mall in Plano. We knew it was going to be a 50-50% chance of getting Kaelyn to smile; however, we didn't realize it would be an issue getting Santa to smile! Come on Santa; get in the Christmas spirit! Aren't you supposed to be jolly? No wonder the kids are sometimes afraid of you!

Kaelyn and Santa

Last weekend, Robbie went to the SEC Championship game in Atlanta, GA to watch Alabama defeat #1 ranked Florida, so Kaelyn and I ventured to Canton for the trades days with some girl friends. It was a little chilly that day, so I made sure to bundle Kaelyn up for the trip. I have to say we are the luckiest parents in the world because Kaelyn shopped like a champ and wasn't fussy at all. She slept in her stroller and kicked and laughed when she was awake in the baby bjorn. We found some great stuff and enjoyed our girl time.

Happy 1st Trip to Canton! Many more to come!