Texas, December 17-January 3, 2016

We went home for Christmas and Harvey's first birthday! Yay! We were very excited! Of course we did our best to see everyone and get our own checklist done in the 2 short weeks.

We flew British Airways, and were not lucky at getting a baby seat (there were tons of babies on this flight), but Harvey did just fine.

We brought lots of stuff home!

First stop off the plane was customs and the line was forever long. The customs officer said "Welcome Home" (I was very excited to hear this), AND they made a big fuss over Harvey and gave him a US stamp in his passport. It was very sweet.


Our friends organized a Baylor Santa event that was lots of fun. Harvey already sat with the British Santa, and I was excited to see his reaction again. He loved looking at Santa, and was very curious.

We met up with some Baylor buddies, had some cookies, and painted an ornament. Then we headed home for a surprise.

Grandpa Kinsell and Uncle Ron came for a visit

We all went out for a big family dinner. Aunt Katie taught Harvey how to drink from a straw!

The next day was Harvey's First Birthday Party! We had a Paddington themed party, with Tex-Mex food, a bit of both of our worlds! It was so special to see friends we haven't seen in so long, and to see everyone loving on baby Harvey. It was such a special day!

Loved his chocolate cake

Happy Birthday

We loved spending Christmas at Granny's house. It was magical, and decked out to the max for Christmas. Harvey had so much to play with.

Harvey did so well with the tree, and only was interested in taking off 2 specific ornaments. I'm sure next year he will be much more destructive.

Granny made Harvey his own tree to play with. It was made out of felt, and Harvey loved taking the ornaments off.

We also, ate, and ate, and ate! Some of our picks were James Coney Island, Jersey Mikes, Los Cucos, El Jarrito, Carrabba's, Lupe Tortilla, Las Mananitas, Cracker Barrel, Antie Ann's, Red Lobster, Alicia's, Chick-fil-a, Panda Express, Longhorn Steakhouse, Shipley Donuts, and Jason's Deli. For those non-Houstonians most of those are Tex-Mex places! Yum!

Harvey LOVES TexMex

The next big event was Christmas! Harvey had a great first Christmas in Texas!

Just woke up 

Harvey and Ziti Christmas morning

Christmas Mass

Merry Christmas Baby Harvey

We had some great weather in Houston, and Harvey enjoyed his first outdoor walk. He's becoming quite the walker now.

Car rides make me sleepy

A fun playdate with Samuel

Josh and I had a babysitter (Granny), and we got to get out and see a movie! It was such a treat! We saw Daddy's Home, and had lots of laughs. The seats reclined and we had so much space. Apparently we have not been out in awhile!

Harvey went on another playdate. This time we went to the Heights and played at Tenlee's house. Harvey is beginning to think that every house has dogs!

Harvey's official birthday!!! We had some friends over for brunch, and he opened more presents. Such a special day for our little 1 year old!

New Years Eve, my friend Julia was having a fun engagement party celebration! It was a great time to get dressed up, and have some adult time. And then the most exciting thing happened...

It turned into a surprise wedding!!! WhooHoo! I was so happy to be there on their special day! Congratulations to Julia and Jason Ford!

And then it was time for us to fly back to London. Some of us got a good nap on the flight! Bye Texas, we had a blast...see you soon.

A year flew by! Harvey has 5 teeth (2 top, 3 bottom), walks everywhere, loves books- his favorite is Dear Zoo, is a chatterbox, but only says "dada", "mama", and "bye" (in a deep southern accent with a wave), opens and shuts all doors and drawers, points to everything, his favorite show is TwirlyWoos, and loves to give kisses. He has visited 16 countries in a year! We celebrated his birthday in Houston with a Paddington themed party. We love you Harvey!