Night Before Christmas

As is another one of our more recent traditions, we read The Night Before Christmas to Branson before bed. (this is a long standing Hurst family tradition that we have carried over to our family) He was really tired after church and opening his present, but he sat intrigued for the whole story... He liked pointing at Santa and saying "hohoho".

Merry Christmas Eve

The party begins! As is our family tradition, upon returning from Christmas Eve Service everyone in the family gets to open one present. Branson was able to open a fun xylophone (I thought at this age a toy was better than clothes!)

I loved the smile on his face on this one!

Man they sure do make toys hard to get out of the packages!

Playing the piano with his dad!

In addition to Branson's gift, Brandon opened a new jacket... and I... discovered the location of my impending surprise trip! Brandon is jetting us off to Vegas in late January. The first day will be spent snow skiing! Can you believe there is a mountain close enough to Vegas to snow ski?! (I have never been!) And then Saturday night we are seeing Cirque de Solei "O". I told Brandon seeing another Cirque show was high on my list this year so of course... in typical Brandon style, he made it come true! Brandon says this time we are "Livin Large" in Vegas!

It all began....

Last night I asked Brandon if he knew the significance of today... he looked down at his watch and said "yes, of course I do! We have been together for 5... 6,7,8... no... 9 years!" It's hard to imagine, but 9 years ago today, Brandon and I were driving from his parents' house on Bulverde Rd. to my parents' house so that he could meet my grandmother for the first time (we were seniors in high school, mind you). He casually asked me as we pulled up the hill... "so, since I am meeting your grandma, do you want to be my girlfriend?" I, of course, instantly said yes and the rest is what you call HISTORY! Now we have an adorable little boy and 4.5 years of marriage under our belts! May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Thanks Grandma for being the catalyst for our life together. We miss you dearly and know that you would have been hopelessly in love with Branson and probably spoiled him rotten! Keep watching out for us!

A few last minute shots!!

Marble Falls Lights

On Saturday we met my family along with the Manchas in Marble Falls for dinner and more lights. These lights were not nearly as crowded as Zilker, and gave us time to socialize and enjoy the season. Luckily, the cold front hadn't blown through yet, so the weather was nice and not too cold!Nonna and Branson - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Aunt Courty and Branson rolling in the hay!

I asked Branson if he would please sit on the bench for a picture and he said "OK!" What an adorable kid!
Jennifer and Lauren Mancha -
I'm so glad I finally figured out how to take pictures of Christmas Lights!

Zilker Trail of Lights

On Friday night Brandon, Branson and I joined our friends, Kevin, Vicki and Harper for our first tour of the Zilker Trail of Lights. It was really crowded, but overall a fun time. We enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant and then walked down to the lights. Branson enjoyed looking at all of them. Harper really loved riding on her daddy's shoulders, but this wasn't Branson's thing. He was quite content in the stroller which made us very happy!

Apparently the tradition is to twirl under the tall Christmas tree of lights until you make yourself dizzy. Kevin was good entertainment spinning and trying to record on the camcorder. I think he almost fell over a couple of times! Harper too gave spinning a try with her mom!

Opening gifts....

Last night, Branson received a gift from his Great Aunt Bernadine... instead of waiting until Christmas morning, I let Branson open it last night.... he had so much fun! He really gets the whole idea of opening presents.

He ended up getting a drum set... which after I put it together, he immediately began playing. He surprised me by knowing how to sit on the bench, bang on the pieces and even use the foot thing to hit the bigger bottom drum!