A Family Tradition

Or at least I hope it will be!  Because the twins were preemies and because it was the most germ filled time of year, we were a bit limited on the activities we could participate in at first.  It being the Christmas season and all, we decided that looking at Christmas lights would be conducive to our above mentioned limitations.  And let me tell you, we looked at a LOT of Christmas lights.  I can't even remember exactly how many times we went out to do this.  We'd load up the girls, stop for coffee somewhere, and then drive.  This was perfect for several reasons:

1. We never had to get out of the car helping us to avoid said germs.
2. We didn't have to get dressed up...hey, we all like to be a little lax at times ;)
3. The girls LOVE to ride...so they slept the entire time!
4. We could ride around for a couple of hours and then easily head back home when it was feeding time.
5. Most importantly, it was sweet time spent with my new little family~James and I had such great conversation on these nights.

So, this being the thing to do, we certainly couldn't miss out on the biggest light show of them all, Santa's Wonderland!  If you haven't been here, you must go, at least once.  We've actually been several times before and I really hope we'll continue to do so and make this a family tradition.

Yes, this was our first long road trip with the girls.  SCARY!!!  I think this was when I first realized that you really do have to start getting ready WAY in advance to go anywhere with not only one, but TWO newborn babies ;) So of course, we were running behind.  And what comes with any big event in our household?  Why a photo shoot of course!!  Does mommy care that we're running late?  Yes, but my need for all documentation possible trumped my need to be on time.  It was a small one, but we were at least able to get a few good photos of the girls.  They were able to wear the cute little Christmas onesies a friend made for us...thanks Lyndsey!!!

We drove the hour and a half it takes to get to College Station and met our friends Khyle, Christopher, and Cayson for dinner.  I know what you are thinking...hello,  weren't you just talking about trying to avoid germs?!  I was, but I promise, we had our pediatricians approval.  We took the proper precautions and walked away unharmed ;) Yes, we took them in a restaurant but no, no one even managed to get a glimpse because we kept them covered the entire time we were there (thanks Linnea for the handy car seat covers!!)!

After we ate, we headed to Santa's Wonderland.  Apparently everyone else had the same idea because the line was forever long.  Luckily we had brought plenty of food for the girls and honestly, they were real troopers!  Yes, they got a little fussy a couple of times but it was justified and they were easily comforted.  So, we were able to have good conversation while looking at beautiful Christmas lights.  Although the girls couldn't really appreciate it this year, we won't deny them the pleasure in the years to come.  I hope they love this time of year as much as their parents do.

Our first road trip was a success and it gave us the courage we needed to take a few more ;)  Here is a little slide show of the beauty this place has to offer.  Enjoy!