Christmas at the Ranch 2011

This Christmas was so special. It was Bowen's first Christmas and Tate's first 'big boy' Christmas where he actually cared about what was going on. I'm having the 

Christmas Eve after we left Dad and Shelly's house we went to the ranch. It has been so long since we were able to see Cait, Steph, and Eric. We had a lot of fun! 

 Tate enjoyed playing in the box. He was throwing these air pockets out and Steph would throw them back in when he wasn't looking. He was so confused! Then he caught her. It was so funny. He turned around and said "no" and slapped her hand. 

 Uncle Eric and Tate became new buds this visit. He was actually trying to get Uncle Eric's beer and decided the sneaky, cuddly approach would work best. Silly boy

 That night when we got home the boys had already been bathed and were in their jammies so they went to bed and I put out the gingerbread cookies for Santa. They are too young to really understand/care about Santa so I just did it mainly for the traditional value of it all.

 The next morning when the boys finally awoke (at 9 am-a little later than usual)

 and Tate found Santa's uneaten cookie and decided to finish it off.

 Yay! Presents!

 I  helped Bowen. 

 Then we went out to the ranch for more Christmas festivities!


When we got there we had gingerbread waffles, Papa's specialty! They are absolutely delicious! Then it was time to open presents! As soon as Tate walked in he saw his pony! He was very excited to ride! I'm hoping he'll love it and start riding his pony and give my back a rest! ahhaha

 Look at that precious grin!

 Bowen and Papa 'talkin'

 Brothers ridin' together!

 Tate also got a new hat that he just looks adorable in!

 Now he looks like a true-blue cowboy!

 Helping Daddy open presents.

 Cuddling with Great Grandma

 Look it's the best present we got all year!

 Peek a boo

 Emme and Tate playing on bubble wrap! It's the little things folks! Who needs tons of toys when there are boxes and bubble wrap?!

 Aunt Kim getting her lovin' in! Bowen is a little bit of a Mama's boy so it takes him a while to warm up

 but once he does he is all smiles!

 Again, best present of the year!

All the festivities wore us out! 


We ate lunch and then played White Elephant Christmas exchange with the rest of the family who came out and later played some games! It was a lot of fun!


Thanks Gigi and Papa and everyone else for not only the awesome presents but for your love and support! We have such a wonderful family! God blesses us always!

Christmas Eve

I love having a big family and having every one in Angelo! It definitely makes our life much easier! On Christmas Eve we went to Dad and Shelly's house to eat lunch and open presents. 

 When we first got there Grandaddy got some play time in with Baby Bow.

 Tate got to "help" Nana before we sat down to eat.

 And then it was present time! 

 Tate was definitely more into opening presents this year! He was very excited to rip it all off and check everything out. Bowen liked to play with the paper. 

 Tate's first pair of roller skates! Nana Shelly laughed when she gave them to us. I think he'll love em when he gets the hang of it. As long as he can be patient enough to put them on. The wheels can actually lock to make it easier. We will see how it goes hahaha

 Of course, my sweet smiley baby!

 Tate got some tools and decided they'd make great present openers!

 And then he saw the big gift...a new BIKE!

 Bowen got some goodies too...teether, blankets, teether, etc.

 Tate trying on his helmet

 and playing with his drill some more

 Bowen liked his teether

Both boys playing with the tool set! I love Christmas time and it definitely always reminds me of what an amazing family we are blessed with. Thank you Dad and Shelly! 

Bowen's Baptism

 Today was Bowen's baptism at church. 

 Bowen laying on the same couch looking just like Tate did almost a year and a half ago.

 Getting ready in the Baptism Gown that Gigi made. It really is very beautiful!

 Making silly noises to get him to smile. He's such an easy going baby. I'm a very lucky Mama!

 Gigi and Baby Bo

 Bill Proctor is the Pastor at our church and he was there when we got married, when Tate was baptized and now for Bowen's baptism. This church has so much history with our family. 

 Although, they did get Bowen's father wrong on the church bulletin. They said Bowen was the child of Eric and Katie Probandt....um, wrong brother. haha

 Getting blessed

 Bill taking Bowen to the congregation

 Bowen did such a great job. You can see a proud Papa in the background. He was the elder that asked the congregation the questions. 

 After we got Bowen back into his normal Sunday outfit, which he looked like such a dapper little gentlemen in, we came back in and listened to the music and he fell right to sleep in my arms. It was an amazing day!

 After church we got some bbq and since we were close to Grandad and Nana Shelly's house we stopped over and ate and Tate and Grandad got to play. 

 Shooting guns, what a boy does best!

 Playing with Grandad's ears-goofy little boy

 And Baby Bo being a good little boy and enjoying his time with his Nana

 Giddy up horsey!

 They were having a  blast! It was hard to tell who was having more fun! Although, I do know who got the most workout-Grandad!

 He was in Heaven! He was squealing with delight the whole time. 

 This face says it all!

 Kisses for the go!

Thanks to everyone who was able to come today! It was a very special day! We have so much to thank God for this year!