Christmas 2012

Christmas for our branch has always included multiple stops around Texas which is a very large state.
I worried and worried about how SmithE would handle the strange beds, strange people and other schedule interruptions. But, I knew we would have to trudge forward because for us Christmas means time with family and she'd have to get used to it or get over it!

The initial trip to Corpus Christi, fabulous. She only got upset when we stopped. 
Then FriDAY went pretty well, until Friday night. SmithE decided to show us her displeasure by teething (i.e.screaming) 

Right before the storm

But then Saturday went much better! She smiled, let everyone hold her and even managed to squeal in delight a few times. She got upstaged in energy by her cousin, Linus (born July 13th), lemme tell you that boy loves to jump.

Eleanor with Grandma O'Bryant favorite picture

Christmas 2: Garwood, TX

On Sunday morning we got up and met SmithCale's family at church, and yes, Clayton, we were late. Someone had to poop her pants TWICE.

Later that day, the men did what they did best look at animals and tell dirty jokes (<Sean)

                                     

On Christmas Eve, the ladies started our new tradition of making the annual Christmas ornament. This year we made Owls in honor of Eleanor's nursery and because they were SO CUTE.

CHRISTMAS OWLS! Mine is the grey one (from left) with the shiftiest eyes, he's very un-trusting, we're working through it.

Then because SmithE refuses to go to bed much beyond 6 p.m., she got to open her first traditional Christmas Eve gift early. It's always pajamas, SmithCale. Always. 

Then SmithCale stole an Amazon gift card from his mother, TWICE, in the White Elephant exchange.
He looks devastated.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

Christmas 3: Rochelle, TX

After opening our Christmas presents in Garwood, we packed up, again, and headed to our next to final destination, M & Poppa's. 

White Elephant exchange #2, where SmithCale stole more Amazon cards. 

I think SmithE was just about Christmased out lounging on Cousin Amy. 

All in all, the Smiths had another fantastic Christmas. She never cried once while traveling and napped/slept in every strange bed we put her in thank you sleep training. I'm getting emotional just looking at these pictures knowing next year she'll be bigger, but that's how it goes. Thanks again, SmithCale, for the amazing pictorial memories!

Food for Christmas Memories,

BSmith, forging on day at a time.