Christmas '07 - Part 3

Well, the last and final installment of the "Christmas '07" Saga! Promise!

Our first and then also last stop on our trip back to TX was at my parents' home! What a joy to see them at the airport as soon as we arrived and then get to spend quality time together with them! We were able to take a morning and go visit my two grandmothers at their homes one day and spend some time with my sister and her family!

One New Year's Eve we all met at Fuzzy's Pizza (my all-time favorite pizza joint!) to enjoy good food and fun before we headed back to MD the following day. And that, sadly will be the last time we get to see my sister's family until probably next Christmas...they are relocating to Portland, OR at the end of the month! We will miss you all DEARLY, but trust that the Lord is more than able to guide, direct, and protect you in OR, just as he has in TX! We love you!

Here are a few pics of our days in Houston...enjoy!

Cousins engrossed in a movie together!

All the grandkids with Nana-MeMe (long story!) and Pop!

Oh the joy of a long awaited Buz Lightyear from a 2-year old

little boy!

Cousins playing in the "castle" at the

local mall! Sure wish something like

this was near us! The kids think it is so fun!

Sam and Rebekah "playing" the pilot

game at Fuzzy's!

Alicia and Stephen with Rob and I before we said

or last "goodbye". :(

This is how we discovered the boys one

night when I went in to cover them up! Joel became

the pack-n-play escape artist while on our trip and would

climb out whenever he pleased. Thankfully, he has not yet

attempted it with his crib!

Christmas '07 - Part 2

We were blessed to be able to go to TX to spend Christmas with our families after being away for about 4 months! What a treat it was and we all had so much fun...especially the boys! The plane ride for them was their first and they thought it was very exciting!

We spent about a week with Rob's family and celebrated Samuel's birthday while we were there! It was such a joy to have an extended visit and get to see Rob's brother and sister and their families! We loved seeing you all and look forward to our return in June! Thanks for a memorable visit and Christmas!

Sam was a pro at blowing out his candles this year!

And what a cake!

Our little "Pigpen" after enjoying some
of Sam's cake with black icing!

Sam got a Batman sword from Uncle Joey & Aunt Shelby...

it was a huge hit! Thanks guys...he loves it still!

The cousins playing and having a blast! So cute!

Joel being sweet with his Aunt Shelby!

Looking at the HUGE grouper fish we saw

at the "Sea Center" not far from Joey & Michelle's home.

We spent the day with them on Sam's official b-day...so much fun!

Abby and Sam riding the school bus shuttle to

go see the Christmas lights! Oh what a big boy and

girl they have become!

Joel's new tricycle his Grandma & Grandma

gave him! He thought it was great!

Sam's big boy Spiderman bike! What a

hit that was!

And the boys with their Grandma, getting

in one last snuggle time before we had to head out.

We love and miss you Grandma (and Grandpa)!!!

Tombrella Christmas Part 1

Our Christmas started the night before we headed to TX...a care package from our beloved church back home sent a huge box full of gifts for the boys! What a blessing! And as you can see from the pictures, they loved it!

Sitting on the box before we opened it!...And both actually smiling!

Who needs presents when you've got packing peanuts?!

The first of many presents that emerged from the box!

A Spiderman tin lunchbox...for the boys or Daddy?

Spiderman Potato-Heads...sorry Daddy, there was only 2!

Oh, but Daddy got to open his gift Sam picked for him...

a Star Wars light sabor! So fun!

Catch Up Time!

Well, we returned to MD late last night after 2+ weeks away in TEXAS!!! We had a great time and, all things considered, the boys did very well....especially on the plane rides! The Lord was so merciful and kind to us! It was so great seeing all of our family and then most of our friends back home in Frisco during our quick trip up the last weekend! What a joy and blessing you ALL are to us! We miss you already and can't wait to return home in just over 5 months! Time really does fly!

Today I am trying to get our life a bit back to normal...though I don't think I will be able to do it all! I've sorted the mail, emptied all but one suitcase, put the boys clothes away, sorted old toys in the living room toybox, displayed all our new pictures of friends and family from Christmas card, set up Sam's tent to play in, gathered all the Christmas stuff to be put away, one load of laundry, and fixed lunch. (Can you tell it makes me feel like I've accomplished something in my day by listing it all?!) The last 2 things I REALLY need to get done before I lay my head on the pillow tonight is make a menu and grocery list, and then go grocery shopping! I obviously saved my "favorite" things for last....

Well, I will try make a few posts with pictures from our trip to TX in the coming days...bear with me! Oh, and Happy New Year! 2008....hard to believe!