MORE XMAS PICS

And a video of Cal's first time on the new playground. And a super cute video of fat & happy Griffin after a huge meal of mac & cheese and mandarin oranges - a WHOLE can of them.

SANTA BRINGS A PLAYSCAPE

This was the first year Cal sorta "got" the whole Santa thing - that you could ask for something and he would bring it to you (assuming you're on the "good" list - a fact he forgot about most of the time). We were thrilled that Cal assumed you could only ask for ONE thing which, for him, was a big dump truck. Check that box - woo hoo! Little did he know that Santa could also bring BIG things like playscapes...which he did this year. Cal spotted it before we did and immediately asked to play on the playground in his yard. Ever since then he has told everyone who will listen all about it. It arrived while we were in OKC for a few days and over the actual holiday. We came home the next day to find it in our yard. Crazy fun. So it was a great holiday. We spent a lot of time with cousin Russell in OKC which was great for all the boys. Griffin was really glad he learned to walk so he could try to keep up. He was usually unsuccessful but made a good effort. Nana & Big Daddy met us in Austin the day after we came home so we had Christmas, again, with them. More toys! The only downside is that Uncle Russ' & Aunt Amy's beloved dog, Trixie, passed away suddenly on Christmas Day. We all loved her very much and will miss her forever. But we're sure she is in doggie heaven playing with her friend Chief now. We miss them both very much.

THE SANTA EXPERIENCE

So....it's December 22 and we've had virtually every experience you can have - classic sit on Santa's lap for a photo, breakfast with Santa, Santa at school, you name it. We've talked to Cal about Santa until we feel like he is our best friend and we know his favorite color and how he likes his steak cooked. All this is in an effort to get a photo with Santa where Cal will actually smile. All seems fine as long as we are just talking about the big guy but once he is there in person, all bets are off and the waterworks begin. No idea why and Cal can't explain it - he just cries when he sees Santa live and in person. So here are a few photos that will make you smile. We even got one at the Pi Phi breakfast with Santa where Cal was just thinking about crying but not actually doing yet. And, Griffin, of course, is our perfect angel who was fine UNTIL...you guessed it - Cal joined him on the lap and started crying. Oh well. Maybe next year. Just like the Longhorns. Sigh.....