Christmas 2005

Christmas was exciting this year with Cullen and family. It started with a visit to Center, TX to see PawPaw and family. It was a nice family gathering with pictures and presents for the kids. Chris, Melissa, Brandon & Matthew were able to fly in. The boys are growing so much.

We returned to Huntsville and left on Christmas Eve to go to NaNa's in Orange, TX. We did not get an early start because Cullen was in need of a nap. If you know Cullen it is best for all involved that he gets a nap. On this day he chose to take a three hour nap.

Our trip to Orange was an adventure to say the least. We decide to to stop at Starbucks in Willis, TX which is also known as The Twilight Zone for fraps and chi (frozen tea). It was a great thought until it turned into about a 45 minute ordeal. Of course, there was that guy working behind the counter that wanted to flirt instead of work and the line backed up. Brent brought that to his attention, and he didn't take it very well. By the end of it, the manager was called and that manager was no help. A little lady knew someone behind the Starbucks counter and refuted everything that Brent said. Brent finally got our order and returned to the truck to tell me the story. This left Chris and Melissa still waiting on their order. Melissa went inside to check on them after about 30 minutes I guess. when they returned to the truck, Chris told us others began getting upset, and another manager was called that actually took care of the situation. We are off again!

We get about 15 minutes down the road and low and behold a train stops us. Not only does it stop us, but it comes to almost a complete stop in front of us. This sets us way back. Did I mention that we have already been called by those waiting on us in Orange? Well, it seems they are not very happy, we are in charge of dinner. I hope no one is hungry because we were running way behind schedule! Finally, the train comes to a stop just on the other side of the crossing but not quite far enough for the arm to comeup. So, it chugs forward again. The arm raises and cheers of joy from surrounding cars are heard for miles!

Off we go! Now we are on a two lane road behind every slow person in Texas. In Texas they have a lane on each side of the road so that if you are courteous and slow you can move over and others can pass. Well, some of these people were not told about this polite act, or if they were they chose to make us suffer!

We arrive at NaNa's in Orange sometime after 7:00 p.m. I think! Everyone has eaten, the adults were playing cards and the children were playing. You know kids they put stuff everywhere. So everywhere you went there was stuff!

The next morning the kids opened presents and preparation for a great lunch was in motion. Melissa and I played toddler ranglers for the day. Cullen is active all alone, but when you pair Matthew and Cullen up it is nonstop action. They had a blast running, hopping, and watching Elmo together. Brandon was a lot of help with them both! Poor guy he ran after them alot!

We returned back home on Christmas afternoon for more present opening. Cullen and Matthew both got motorized four wheelers. Matthew was riding his everywhere. Cullen would ride his for a minute them get off and run. Running and hopping are his favorite was to move! Cullen got so many things for Christmas. The following is a list: Build a Bear Elmo, Elmo cell phone, Elmo movie, an Elmo that says his name, foru wheeler, clothes, Mr. Potato Head, planes, cars, travel magnadoodle, a large magnadoodle, ABC Robot, a counting phone, laser gun, dinosaur, Toys R Us gift cards, Leap Frog refrig. ABC game, and a race track. I hope that I did not leave anything out. Thank you everyone!!!

It was a wonderful Christmas! Cullen really enjoyed it all. He loved "Canta Claus, Kissmas Trees and Kissmas Lights!" Watching him was a joy to Brent and I!