Christmas in New England

This year we ventured up to Chelmsford, Massachusetts to spend Christmas with Mike's parents and sister. It has been a couple of years since we were able to spend a holiday with them so it was really nice that we got to spend a full week with them. I was also excited about the opportunity for James to play in snow. The last time we were up there for Christmas was when he was only 1 year old so he didn't really fully appreciate the playtime in the snow, but I knew he would this time. Much to my chagrin, there wasn't any snow on the ground when we got there and the forecast didn't indicate that we were to get any of significance while we were up there, so that bummed me out. Auntie Kate, however, was determined to find some snow for James to play in, so we ventured out one day and drove north to find some. An hour later, we came across some snow! And James absolutely loved it!

James throwing snow at Auntie Kate

James wanted to go snow tubing over and over and over again

Making snow angels with Auntie Kate

The rest of the week, we tried to keep James occupied with activities. One afternoon we headed to an Enchanted Village, which apparently existed when James' Nanny (Mike's mom) was a little girl and has since been refurbished. They had the enchanted village complete with snow machines, a Santa to get pictures with and a Christmas laser show, which despite the long wait, was actually quite entertaining, especially for a three year old.

James on Daddy's shoulders at the Enchanted Village with the snow falling

James at the Enchanted Village

One of the many scenes in the Enchanted Village.
(The mannequins actually moved and were quite creepy, but James seemed to enjoy it)

James with Santa Claus

James had an absolute blast with is Nanny, Poppy and Auntie Kate and didn't even want to leave. Here are some of the photos from the remainder of the trip.

Making cookies for Santa with Auntie Kate

On Christmas morning, ready to open presents

Digging into his Santa bag

James and Auntie Kate wearing the ridiculous glow-in-the-dark glasses Poppy got for them

It wasn't a white Christmas, but we did get some flurries. Here's James attempting to catch some on his tongue.

Making a gingerbread house with Auntie Kate

I'm actually bummed that I didn't get photos of James with his Nanny and Poppy, but we had a wonderful time and look forward to many more holidays with them. Hope everyone had a safe and happy holidays!

Christmas #1

This year we went up to Massachusetts to spend Christmas with Mike's family and therefore had to do an early Christmas with my parents so that James could open up presents with them. Everybody always gets a kick out of a three year old's excitement when opening up presents, so they couldn't miss it. The Sunday before we left for New England, we had a nice turkey dinner with my parents and then proceeded to open our presents. James barely even wanted to eat since he was so excited about the presents, but we eventually convinced him to eat. Here are some photos from the evening:

My goofball ready open his presents

I know it's blurry, but this the only family picture we took for all of Christmas :-(

James with Papa & Gigi
(of course he wouldn't cooperate for the photo, little stinker!)

James with the big bear we got him for Christmas

ready to open gifts!

"Ooooh, look what I got!" (Disney stories with a reader so we don't have to read :-))

I think James had just as much fun handing out everyone's presents as he did opening his own

I asked him to pose with his Thomas the Train gift and this is what I got :-)

Merry Christmas!

The Beadles wish everyone a safe and happy holidays!

Our 2011 Christmas card

The San Antonio Riverwalk at Christmas

This past weekend we headed down to the San Antonio Riverwalk with some of our good friends, the Hutchisons, to see the new lights on the Riverwalk. They have a son a little bit younger than James and I knew the boys would really enjoy seeing all of the Christmas lights. I have grown up going to the Riverwalk every Christmas and now I will have the opportunity to create the same tradition for my family. This year they used different lights (the new LED lights) and wrapped the trunks of the trees as opposed to draping them over the canopy. I have to say, the new lights and set up did not disappoint. They were incredibly vibrant and very pretty. The only complaint I have is that they didn't do more of the trees, but I can understand why since it had to be very time consuming. Here are some of the photos from the evening (these were taken with my phone so they're not the best, but you get the idea):

A view of some of the lights on the river

The family (of course James is being difficult)

James and Mommy

James and his buddy Logan eating their ice cream

James and Daddy

James' Christmas Program

This past Monday James' preschool held their annual Christmas Program in which each class with children over the age of 3 sang a Christmas song. This is the first year James is finally old enough to participate in such school functions. I was doubtful it would be full of stellar performances, but it was really cute and all of the children seemed to have a great time.

James with his classmates getting ready to sing

The kiddos singing their hearts out

After each class sang their song, all the classes went up together to sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". Not sure what James is doing but here is that video:







It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Even though we won't be here for Christmas (we're heading to Massachusetts to spend it with my in-laws) we have decided to decorate and finally just recently finished. I've realized that James is much more excited about decorating this year than he ever has been. I think this will be the first year that he truly understands the meaning of Christmas and all of the excitement that goes along with it.

James decorating the tree

Front door at night

Our front door decorations

Our pretty Christmas tree

The fireplace mantle decor

Entry way table decor

View from entry way into family room

James with Santa Claus



Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving 2011

Another year, another wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family and friends...

The beautiful table set for Thanksgiving dinner

My brother Charles opening the Champagne (I think we went through 5 magnums! :-))

Some of the hor d'oervres (we also had a delicious baked brie, but it was still in the oven at this time)

James playing on the big slide in my parents backyard

All of the kids playing (our friends the Hutchisons joined us this year)

James taking a ride with his buddy Logan

My beautiful Nieces' first Thanksgiving

Our array of desserts (4 pies, bread pudding with whiskey sauce and See's Candy)

Everyone enjoying the num nums (you can kinda see the baked brie here in front of James)

My bro and sis-in-law

Mike and I

Joey carving the Turkey he made

Delicious appetizer...Shrimp & Avacado Martini

All of the sides (cranberry relish, brussel sprouts with bacon, roasted sweet potatoes, cornbread & sausage dressing & mashed potatoes)

James and Logan having their Thanksgiving dinner (love James' face here)

James and Daddy (ofcourse James is without pants ;-))

Most everyone chilling the couch watching some Cowboys football after the huge meal
(notice my brother is completely passed out, LOL)

Hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving!