it's almost time!

we are still in the Delta. to me, this is the best week of the year. our family vacation week falls a close second! there's just no comparison to being home - surrounded by family and friends.

we had a great Christmas this year - pictures will come when i get time for that! Delta (our beagle) has thoroughly loved being up here. she is getting to run and play (in a yard that's not fenced in) and also has been sleeping with us instead of in her kennel. we'll see how she adjusts when we get back home!

speaking of being back home, we are coming home tomorrow! i can't believe that tonight is my last night at home for this holiday season. it goes by so quickly!

once we get home, we'll unpack and repack to go to dallas for this:



mary peyton is so excited and keeps asking when we are getting to go to the cotton bowl. it will be my 5th bowl to go to and my 4th cotton bowl (i went to the cotton and peach bowls with state in 1998 and 1999 and then the cotton with ole miss in 2003, 2008, and 2009). i enjoy dallas, so it's fine with me!

we will be staying here:



and our room should be similar to this one (but i can't remember if i booked 2 double beds or a king!!!)



on new year's eve, we have reservations for brunch at the american girl doll store. mary peyton can't wait! my daddy gave her an american doll that looks like her for Christmas (it was truly the only thing she consistently asked for) and she can't wait to take her to the brunch with us!!!



the next day, there is a new year's day parade



last year we hung out at this little bar and grill before the parade because it comes directly beside it. we had great seats for the festivities!



that night, we have a lot of friends who are going to be out for the bowl game, so we are planning to go to frankie's bar and grill for dinner. a friend from church organized this.....



i'm hoping at some point (maybe wednesday when we get there) to go to



and



since they are some of my favorite places! i wish that neiman's had their window displays still up. their downtown store had it so that children could actually go into the window displays this Christmas season, but it will be over before we get there. {BOOOOOOO}

we are hoping for a safe and fun trip! and of course a rebel victory. but, as mary peyton says to us, "sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but we're always a rebel". i'm glad that she is not a fair weather fan!