Trip to Texas

Our trip to Texas was very bittersweet.  It was wonderful seeing friends and family, but leaving this time was especially hard.  We would have liked to stay longer, but we needed to get back so we wouldn't miss Santa Claus!  Each day was filled with several smiling faces.  We arrived late on Friday, 12/17 and left early on Christmas Eve. 

Story time with Grampy

The first day we were there we had breakfast with the Johnsons, lunch with the Crowes, attended the annual Brooks family Christmas party, then met Hunter's past co-workers for a drink (sans children).  That day was insane and we were all exhausted.

Easton, Kennesen, Peyton & Kennede

Christine & Hudson

Mr. Antwan making his "famous" breakfast for the Clarks



Christine and Hudson

All 5 kiddos together

Lunch with the Crowe cousins

Aunt Georgianna stops by to meet Baby Hudson

Avery after her soccer games.  She's so big!  She was our flower girl in our wedding almost 9 years ago!

Trip, Ashley & Hudson

Brooks annual Christmas party

Peyton & Aunt Beff

Knox & Hudson - one month apart

Julie (Knox's mom) & Hudson

Kelly, Cindy, me & Beth - friends since junior high

Me, Amber, Heather & Connie

Sunday we spent the entire day at Daywah's house. We got to spend time with Daywah, Nana and our cousins - Carter, Cindy, Kaylee, Kaden & Carcyn. It was so much fun!

Best buds

Nana & Hudson

The three boys

Daywah meets Hudson

Deep thoughts with Daywah

Carter in Grandad's shirt he used to wear every year.  What wonderful memories!

The giggly girls

Wow, 6 kids!

Kaden couldn't get enough of holding Hudson.  Too cute!

Carcyn squeezing Easton's cheeks

It wouldn't be Christmas at the Drake's without the men falling asleep to football!

Daywah with her 2 youngest great grandkids

Monday Daddy went to work at his old office and the kids and I went over to the Pogacnik's house.  Peyton's kindergarten friends were there and I got to hang out with the moms.  They even let me sneak away to get my hair cut!  The guys all met us over there for dinner and we got to enjoy the entire day together.  We really miss them a lot.



Tuesday we went to lunch with some of Hunter's past co-workers to Mi Cocina (yay, Mi Cocina!) then over to the Glenn's house for the rest of the day.  We went to dinner at one of our favorite pizza places and enjoyed some good laughs together.  We got to spend some quality time with them and miss them more than we even realized! 

Ms. "Ramy" meets Hudson

Uncle Nick shows Hudson the sports ornaments

Little Lily has her turn

All 4 kiddos

Ms. Ramy & Easton - Awwwww!  So cute!

Sassy girls

Dinner at Grimaldi's - yummy!

The three Muskateers

Being silly

The family of 5

Wednesday Hunter, Jody & my dad all got to play some golf together.  The weather was actually pretty chilly, but it didn't seem to bother them.  The kids and I took the morning to recuperate.  We had been going strong since we arrived on Friday night.  That afternoon/evening we went to Jody & Beth's for dinner.  Beth prepared a wonderful meal and we let the kids exchange Christmas gifts. 

Sweet Katie & the kids

Curious kitty!

Katie made bracelets with the kids

Jody joins in the fun

A PILLOW PET!!!!  Now he can stop asking 8 times a day for one.

Aunt Beth made Peyton a froggy blanket.  Very special!

The week is catching up to us all.

Thursday we got to spend time with the Loehr side of the family.  Uncle Bill invited us all into his home for the annual Loehr Christmas get together.  The kids had a wonderful time together and got to relax and enjoy the last evening of our trip.

Aunt Brandi meets Hudson

Partners in crime

Where's Hudson?

Awwww, too cute!!!

Peek-a-boo!

Grammy & Grace

Uncle Jeff is ready for #2!

Aunt Brandi with Rowan

Papa being funny

94 years young!

Snugglin' his great grands!

Uncle Bill, Grace & Hudson

Grace, Hudson & Rowan (only 5 months older)

Merrilee & Peyton (Thanks, Stephanie for the great shots!)

Sweet boys!  Devin & Easton

Look what I have, Easton!

Girl talk......

Merrilee & Grace

8 Loehr littles

We left early the next morning in order to get back for Santa Claus.  "He" still had to assemble some gifts and get others wrapped.  Overall our trip was filled with loved ones and good memories.  It was very sad to leave, but we were very blessed to have a wonderful home to return to after a long year.  Everyone enjoyed meeting our newest addition to the Clark family.  Hudson charmed all the ladies and seemed to make a very good impression on the family.  We wish we were closer for everyone to watch him grow up as they did Peyton & Easton, but we will be making trips back to Texas often.  Thanks to all of you whom we visited for arranging your schedules, meals, homes, etc. around our availability!  We really appreciate your consideration and generosity.  Until next time!