Classic Christmas

Over the years, we've had some very notable Christmas memories. Coincidentally, we've captured a few of these moments on camera. We would love to share them with our beloved friends and family at this reflective and profound time of year:
Wilson has always felt a little jittery about sitting on Santa Claus's lap and is still currently very uneasy about doing so. This picture was from December of 2005 and although he presently will behave a little more cordially toward Santa--I know this picture still portrays his undeniable feelings about sitting on Santa's lap.
This picture is a true classic in every sense of the word. If you want the whole story, let me know and I'd be glad to tell you. Basically we have Wilson, Maisy, and my Grandma Ming posing for this picture. Wilson was very amicable to even take this picture because we knew of his tremendous fear of *THE GRANDMA* which is completely validated by all who have been in contact with Grandma Ming. He really didn't want to take a picture with her--as you can see from his position on the couch. Oh well. At least we have this picture for posterity.
This snapshot depicts our family attempting to get a festive and pleasant picture for our Christmas Card last year. Look! We even dressed in matching Holiday attire! Well, of course picture taking never quite turns out how you would like. So is the case of this picture taken on a very cold and VERY windy day.


This year we were miraculously advantageous to get a good family picture for Christmas. So Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family! We are so grateful for how you each bless our lives. Thank you and God Bless (wait--is that a Texas term?!)

Special Moves

The festivities just continue around here. We've been having a VERY MERRY Christmas Season. So merry in fact that Brett, Wilson, and Maisy have created a new game that I rather enjoy watching. It's called Freeze Dance. Here's the gist: They turn on the holiday music radio station and dance around until Brett says "FREEZE!" Then they freeze. The best part is that they have each contrived a *SPECIAL MOVE* that they must do when Brett calls out "Special Move!" I must say--these moves are pretty special. Brett says they were inspired by Dancing With the Stars.

Below is a video clip of Maisy doing her *special move*



Here we have Wilson doing his *special move*



So this Holiday Season, when you're out and about in the hustle and bustle and you think of *special*--hopefully you'll think of *special moves* MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Dickens of a Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! We are really getting into the Christmas Season around our house. It's been so much fun this year. I think it's the first year that Maisy really understands the merry feeling in the air. She's been wishing everyone a "Happy Holidays!" every chance that she gets.
This all began the first day after Thanksgiving. We went to Historic Downtown McKinney for their annual Dickens of a Christmas. All their stores were ready for Christmas. They had a Christmas train plowing through the streets for the children to ride.
It was so festive! How could we not get so excited for Christmas time!
Of course, Santa Claus was there meeting and greeting all the good little girls and boys. I'm just glad that Wilson didn't shed any tears this year. He was still quite apprehensive about sitting on Santa's lap. Maisy, nonetheless, walked right up to him and struck up a conversation with Ol' St. Nick!
Brett and I have been covertly content about our opportunity to participate in this traditional ritual so early in the season, because we've really been applying the classic ruse of "Santa Claus is watching you right now--so you had better eat those peas!"
Here is a picture of Brett with just one of the many people dressed up in traditional Victorian costumes. She seemed really excited to be dressed up and Brett was very excited to take a picture with her.
The highlight of the day had to be the marionette puppet show! This talented puppeteer and about 6 of his marionettes performed a charming Christmas show right out in the streets. Maisy of course LOVED the puppets. Her favorite was the ballerina who twirled to the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies.
She was in a wonderland the whole performance and had to go and meet the puppets after the show. She hugged them each and wished them a Happy Holidays. And so our season continues--we hope ya'll are enjoying this season too!

Restaurant Review: The Original Pancake House

The morning after our Thanksgiving Feast, our stomachs were stretched and empty. So we decided to give ourselves a break from vigorous cooking and have breakfast at The Original Pancake House.
The Original Pancake House is located right off Highway 75 when you take the Parker Street exit. If you want PANCAKES, this is the place to go!
Wilson and Maisy ordered The Strawberry Pancakes--complete with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and strawberry syrup. It was so good that Wilson almost finished it off before Maisy could get back from the bathroom to eat her share.
Brett, of course, ordered the Huevos y Papas. I don't know if it was his inner espanol urges coming out or if it was his undying need to go to a restaurant and order the one thing on the menu that doesn't remotely relate with the name or specialty items of the restaurant. But, he cleared his plate, nonetheless.
My mom and I shared The Dutch Baby. Hmmmm... SCRUMPTIOUS! If you've ever had German pancakes before, that is what one might compare to The Dutch Baby. Don't forget to squeeze the fresh lemon slices all over and then sprinkle more powdered sugar over that.
I think the prize might go to my dad. He ordered The Apple Pancakes. They were gooey, fresh, slathered with cinnamon, and came straight from the oven. What you can not see from this somewhat blurry picture is that there is a surprise waiting inside. There is a creamy custard layer between all the baked apples and the pancake. It is divine! Let's just say that my mom and I helped my dad out with his food too. Way to go Dad! Way to order!