Family Pictures...

Here are a few of the many pics that we had taken by some friends, Katie and Chris Stockwell, who started their photography business Asher Gray earlier this year! We had initially planned it as a surprise to Steve and Neika as part of their Christmas gift- pictures being done of their kids and grandkids...only. Well, somehow, they got a whiff of the surprise and I am sure glad they did! Otherwise, we wouldn't have all these other great pics that they are in!

We will defintiely be scheduling them again in the near future to do some more for us! We couldn't be happier- the day was just gorgeous after many crummy days with cold, rainy, cloudy weather. Katie had the perfect spot for these pics!

Just call him Napoleon....

a few words: rolling.laughing.till.our.sides.hurt! (Pause my music down on the right).

The Polar Express

If you've never heard of this or done this, my first thing I would tell you is DO IT! Months ago we got an email from Lana, Brian's cousin, asking if the fam wanted to all make plans for the Polar Express, which is part of the Texas State Railroad. I had no idea this was even out there, let alone, that it would be so much fun!


We bought our tickets back in September and made plans for yesterday. We left in the morning, spent the day in Palestine, and then headed to the railroad by late afternoon for our 5:00 ride! Just about everyone in the family made it and I think especially the kiddos had a very special night to remember. The tickets were reasonable for what you got and the ride was really fun!

We were told to sit on the far side of the train away from the station when getting on so the kids had the best view! Riley was more excited because she actually knew what was going on and knew she was going to get to meet Santa Claus. Once the ride started, they gave everyone hot chocolate and cookies and began to make this ride a LOT of fun. They played the story, sang carols, and made a lot of us laugh.






The depot station

Cole and Blayke- they are 6 weeks apart.

Reese, Keira, and Riley so proud of their Polar Express folders from Dana! They got coloring pages and activites to do inside! How fun!!

We heard the train before we saw it and then the kids got really excited! We had been waiting for about an hour in the cold and drizzly weather.

very cool, but lots of smoke upon arrival- we were first at the gate. So we got a real experience. Hee hee.

some of us...and sweet Misty ( She is Maddi's mom- see below) in the background

If you look close, you can see Chuck in the background! What a character- the Maitre 'd ( for lack of a better term) challenged him to a dance off in the aisle. This guy in the white coat was awesome- he made this ride very entertaining for all of us. Really funny!

Cole did pretty well too- once the rain got moving he settled right in and went along for the ride.

Mouth full of cookies!

Cole and Papa ( his great-grandfather).

The look on Riley's face was priceless- she was ecstatic over Santa. He took pictures with everyone and his elves behind him gave all the kiddos a silver bell. She didn't let that bell go the whole way home. She wanted it tied around her wrist.

Sweet Keira- who is part of the Twitty clan! ( and Maddi in the background who is a Willy).

Brian & Kade (Keira's oldest brother)

Jason and Cole- one of Brian's many cousins.

and last , but not least, Aunt Dana- it took Riley all day to "warm up" to her but she sure does love you!

And would you believe I didn't even get pics of everyone else- at least 20 others. But I've linked them all in this post so you can see just how many of us there really are. I know they will also have many more pics!!