Here we are at Christmas already! Yeesh. Where did the fall go? Anywho, this year T&R decided to go back to Illinois again since they had so much fun last year. Before they went up to Illinois on Christmas Day though, T&R invited Kara and Ann over a few nights before to their house for some epic sugar cookie making. Get some holiday spirit as you check out Kara and Rachel getting the dough started:
The result was a marathon of cookie making that went on into the night. Rachel and Ann’s cookies were the most beautiful (as always). And Kara and Todd’s cookies? Well, let’s not judge them too harshly. Let’s just say they won awards like, “Most Interesting” and “Most Creative Attempt”. They gave it a shot anyway.
Yes, Todd’s holding his “Reindeer Mexican Flag” cookie in that last picture. What of it? The group had a great time decorating together!
On Xmas morning Rachel woke up the group (as she has made her job since she was a wee-lass), and the sleepy crew made their way downstairs to open up their little Christmas Miracles!
Rachel got some maternity clothes from Todd (they were way cuter than this makes them sound. They were awesome, okay?!) and Rachel revealed to Todd the quilt she has been constructing of his old Metallica T shirts!
It was a great morning!
Afterwards T&R ran off to lunch with Todd’s dad and family (delicious Tomatillo’s mexican food!) before hitting the road for Illinois. On their way out of town they stopped to see Aaron and Lauren in Austin and stopped at Meagan’s place in Dallas to crash for the night.
The next day they got started early and cruised all the way up to Hartsburg, Illinois. The group was lucky not to hit any ice or snow on the road! They were safe, warm, and happy as they tucked themselves into bed that night! Over the next few days the group had the delicious cooking that Irma is famous for (fried chicken and dumpling soup!), and the girls started work on a quilt for T&R’s bambino. Here’s an early version that will likely change a gazillion times before it really exists:
Speaking of bambino, Rachel is finally feeling a lot better and has lots more energy than she did in the first few weeks. We are so freaking excited to meet this kid, we can hardly stand ourselves. We’ve been told we could know the gender if we wanted to, but we’re still set on waiting! It’s still early, but our doctor (another Todd Andrew!) has said the kiddo looks healthy so far!
It was great to be around so much family this holiday season. We love you guys!
T&R
P.S. The author is aware of the over-abundance of exclamation points here. He’s excited okay!?!!
