playing catch up

So... we have returned to Deutschland, and as sad as we are to have said goodbye to Gigi, G-Pa, Omi, Papa, and all the rest of our family, we know this past Christmas will always be among the top Christmas memories ever! It started and ended in Buda, with two trips to Houston in between. Katy Jo hung out with her two girl cousins- they were great entertainers and kept her happy. She also received quite a lot of attention from for little black dogs in Buda. We were super pumped to be able to see Aunt Bonnie, even though it was too short. Also, Katy Jo met her great Aunt Mary and her great grandparents on my mom's side for the first time. Really special. During our one month at home, we noticed quite a change in Katy Jo. She is now quite the wiggle worm, and is beginning to scoot herself around. Soon we will have a crawler. We also discovered (with the help of Aunt Bessie) two emerging front teeth. So exciting yet sad that my baby is growing up.

Here is Katy Jo's first Christmas

We loved looking at the Bowen's Christmas tree while watching Katy Jo attempt to crawl (with four dogs around!)


We had a fabulous time walking around on Congress Avenue in Austin. Nancy pushed Katy Jo around in her stroller, while Mr.B took care of Bo in his wheelchair due to the broken foot (sorry no pics of that)

lots of play time with cousins

our first night in Houston, the two littlest girls shared their first "sink bath"

story time in Omi's big red chair

watching the fire with Papa

first taste of pizza crust- thanks to Gramma

Aunt Bessie put in quite a few hours watching all the girls play together

kisses from Sadee

trying to show Ruthie some love

proof that Aunt Bonnie really was there

two little teeth bulges

gramma :)

Lizzy saying her adorable prayer ("thank you for families")

Christmas morning with Gigi

trying on her new hat from Omi

morning pajama party

lovely stockings from Gramma

getting all the great grand babies in one picture- impossible

had to post this funny one (look at Ruthie)

Christmas Eve Cheer

daddy's new baby carrier for hiking in the Alps

saying hello through the window

getting to open lots of gifts for Katy Jo (baby's first Christmas ornament)

one pic before bedtime

Christmas day