Christmas 2013 in San Antonio

This is the Christmas we all got together!  Originally we were planning on doing it in Michigan, but with Kristy just two months away from delivery, we decided to stay closer to her home.  And since most of us had not been to San Antonio, we decided to give it a try!  We rented a large house for a week, and looked forward to warmer temperatures and sunshine.  Well, it wasn't quite as warm as we had hoped-50's and 60's instead of 70's....and some clouds and rain....but much better than Michigan would have been!  We were still able to spend time outdoors and enjoy some fun things!  Here are a few highlights, but not in any particular order.  Mark was the main photographer, so I realize I don't have much of him!

The grandkids!  Pretty good that they are all in the picture!

Abby!

Aunt Adri and Grey!

Japanese Tea Gardens-they were beautiful!!

We acted out the nativity-Abby was Mary, Liam was Joseph, and Grey had a dual role as a shepherd and baby Jesus.  Andy was the donkey that carried Mary, (see below), Megan just wanted to watch, William ran around, and Uncle James was the narrator.  It was quite the performance!

William

Grey

Liam

Megan

Abby

The Alamo in downtown San Antonio

Davy Crockett died at the Alamo, so they sell coon skin hats.

Aren't we the crew!

This was a Cinderella like carriage that Abby, in the red, ran towards!

In front of the Alamo.

Relaxation time...how they loved those games on the iPhones, iPads, etc!

Miniature Train Ride

Back to the Japanese Tea Garden

Oh...another Japanese Tea Garden!  I just don't know how to group these!

Christmas morning...actually less chaotic than I thought.  The kids were mostly interested in their stockings at first, and then went to the tree.  We took turns opening gifts, and had a lot of fun!

Watch out!

And they loved the chess and Candy Land games too that came with the house.

The Riverwalk was beautiful with the hanging Christmas lights.  We ate at a super delicious Tex-Mex place...or was it just sooo good because I have nothing like that here???

Mary on the donkey with a hole in his head!

Meal time!
We  had a wonderful week together!  We also visited the Mexican Market, ate at LaGloria's, (traditional Mexican street food), saw a "Hispanic Elvis" and visited the Catholic Cathedral downtown.  We played games and watched movies.  The married couples squeezed in some date nights while they had free babysitters!  It's hard to believe we did all that, including naps for the kids, and certain adults.  Chopper built a fire one night in the fireplace outside. Towards the end of the week, some started getting the flu or something.  I think all the candy and junk we had and late nights wreaked havoc on our immune systems!  But it was still a great week and I think our family bonds were strengthened.  I love our children, and Andy, so much!  I just can't believe how much I've been blessed!  Life is good!