Texas New Years

December 2013 
From Oklahoma we drove all the way down south to Houston, Texas where we spent 2 days scouting the area.  Ian was interviewing with the Texas division of Ensign Group and we wanted to get a feel for southern Texas before we moved there.  We did a lot of driving around Houston those two days and decided our favorite area was the Woodlands.  We definitely liked the southern charm of the city.  After a short visit to Houston we drove back north to Fort Worth to spend New Years Eve with my cousin Katie Larson and her family.  We went to Dallas and rode the train, chik-fil-a for lunch and a New Years Eve party "kid-style!"  The party was complete with hats, noise makers, sparkling cider and a countdown!  The kids loved it!

the whole clan ringing in the new year!
Larson Family: Matt, Katie, Jagger (6), Jewel (4) and Royal (3)
Lane Family: Ian, Melissa, Lorela (4), Gwen (2), Charlotte (1)

Oklahoma City Zoo

December 2013

Fun at the Oklahoma City Zoo with grandma Joan, aunt Amy and cousins, Wyatt and Kat.

We took a night out for some Mexican Food while the teens babysat the toddlers.
It was so great catching up and hanging out with three of my favorite people!

Oklahoma City Science Museum

December 2013

We went to the amazing Science Museum in Oklahoma City!  Learned about air, water, and gravity.  The girls had a wonderful time playing at the museum!

Oklahoma Christmas

December 2013

Christmas Day we spent at Amy's aunt's house in Guthrie.  We shared the day with Amy's sister Melissa and her family.  The girls had a blast with so many cousins and a beautiful scenic house on the lake.

Ian ate Christmas dinner at the kid's table!  

Christmas Eve

December 2013

Christmas Eve day we ventured over to the mall in Oklahoma City for some last minute shopping.  Then Christmas Eve we spent with Doug, Amy, Kat, Elijah, Wyatt, grandma Joan and the missionaries in their ward for dinner at their house.  

Lunching with the Lanes: Ian, Lorelai, Gwen, Charlotte, Amy, Kat, Wyatt and Grandma Joan 

Winter Wonderland in Oklahoma

December 2013

Ian's cousin Elijah Lane got his mission call and we decided to fly out to Oklahoma to attend his missionary farewell and stay for Christmas.  We stayed at Doug and Amy's house with Kat, Wyatt and Elijah. Oklahoma had a huge ice storm right before we got there, so as we were driving in I was enchanted by all the trees which were covered in ice.  It was magical!  I had never seen a place that was covered in ice before!  The first day we were there we went to a beautiful store full of Christmas trees and decorations and the girls rode the little choo choo train. 

Letters to Santa

December 2013

I feel so blessed to be the mom of these 3 girls.  I couldn't possibly ask for sweeter little lovies!  As our family has grown and the girls have become older it seems as though life itself has become richer and more fulfilling.  Every holiday and daily moments have become so much brighter.  This year the girls dictated (since they can't write yet) letters to Santa Claus! So sweet and precious.  See below.

Letter from Lorelai Lane (age 4 1/2):

Dear Santa,

I want a dolly and an angel.  And a big huge crayon.  Soft Belle dolly and Anna and Elsa.  Pen and paper to write.  Also a soft baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  And a soft bee with black and yellow stripes.  And a soft Michael and Stevie and Aladdin and Jasmine.

The end. 

Love, Lorelai

Oh and a Merida bow and arrow and dress

And a Mulan and Pocahontas nightgown

Letter from Guinevere Lane (age 2 1/2):

Dear Santa,

I want a soft santa, candy cane, and a big crayon and a caseys’ cupcake with sprinkles.  Belle nightgown and fruit snacks and a vacuum and an apron.  And human ariel soft doll.

Love, Gwen

Knotts Berry Farm

December 2013

Grandma and Grandpa Sewell took us to Knott's Berry Farm during Christmas time!  It was the girl's first time going and we had so much fun at Camp Snoopy.  The girls loved being able to ride the kiddie rides all by themselves.  We met up with great-grandpa Ed and Suzette Ludloff.  We rode the rides at Camp Snoopy, saw Snoopy on Ice and ended the night at Mrs Knott's Chicken restaurant. Thank you so much grandma and grandpa!