Ruthven Christmas

We went to Houston for about 24 hours to get together with my family for Christmas. It's been just over 2 years since my immediate family was all together so it was really fun. We had the opportunity to visit our former church where we met, married and Jeff later worked. It was fun to show Evan where we got married and see a few friends we haven't seen in awhile. We also visited a few fun restaurants that you can't get anywhere else. True to Houston traffic form - we ended the trip going 2 miles in 1 hour due to a wreck on 45 in The Woodlands. Two kids crying and nowhere to go but sit...that's the Houston freeway I remember! For those we didn't get to see...we are sorry and wish our trip could have been a little longer to see more of you.

Abbie's cousin Paige knitted this hat for her. I think she likes it! She has also learned to smile for the camera which is so fun!

Fun with Brayden and Wendi

Hanging with Paige

Magdalena surprised us with a visit! She hasn't seen Evan in a few years. You can look back to the beginnings of this blog and see Magdalena with Evan as a baby. She took care of him some when I went back to work and took care of my 14 year old neice when she was a baby and my sister went back to work. Needless to say she is a member of our family and we love her!

Our family decended upon Molina's Mexican Restaurant for lunch on Saturday. 11 adults and 9 children from 7 months to 14 yrs. Two of my cousins and family were able to join us as well.
We love this place for large family events because no matter how loud or misbehaved the children are, they are kind and serve you well. They also have Jose's Dip...if you've had it, you know what I mean. This is only about 1/2 the table and one of the rare moments kids were at the table. There were at least 1-2 adults always chasing a child somewhere...chaos! Oh, and usually that child was our firstborn.

Paige and Abbie after lunch