Christmas Festivities #2

We went on to the XTO Christmas party.  I almost didn't go.  I was in a funk, tired, and a full-time mom.  (I probably could've just said mom and that would've been 'nuff said)  I sucked it up and went because I knew there would be these bad boys...

I can eat mounds of these.  For serious, y'all.

 

 

 We had to take awkward pics.  It is, afterall, what we do the very best in life.

Somewhere out there in the world of professional event photography are two decent normal-ish pictures of Ryan and me.  I am sure they were stolen, framed, and are now hanging in some stranger/genius's bathroom. 

Aside from the Margarita Ball and the XTO Christmas party, we also had the annual LaPlace wine glass exchange party and our own annual Christmas dinner party.  The pictures have been destroyed to remove all evidence.  Just kidding (partially)... we were all having waaaay too much fun to think about pictures.
 

XTO Christmas Party 2011

XTO put on another FABULOUS Christmas party.  The food was sooooo super good.  Massive shrimp, crab cakes, cheese and cracker bar - and that was just the appetizers.  The meal consisted of grass fed beef filet, free-range chicken breast, grilled asparagus, wild rice, sweet potato/baked potato bar, and many desserts. 

We usually take some friends with us, but this year I was the guest since I no longer work for XTO/ExxonMobil.

The boys enjoyed the open bar.  I got some very dirty looks when I went to get Ryan's drinks for him. 

It was so good to see everyone.  Some co-workers became like family after seeing them day after day for years.  Most of all, it was good to get out of my gym clothes (my stay-at-home uniform these days) and all dressed up for a little socializing with good company.

My belly decided to pop out about 4 days before the party, so at least I looked pregnant and not just bloated. 

Ryan and I attempted a picture.

(Which we never do b/c we both end up frustrated.  He just can NOT take a normal pic.)

 We attempted again

 Third time was a charm, sort of.

 We decided to try really hard not to try.  Ryan still looks goofy!

 Shane and Tristan, who suck for taking cute and normal pictures.

 Bumpin it

 Girls

 More girls!

 Mr. Jay

 We were checking out our old people faces.  Ya know, when your cheeks sink in and, er, you get fish mouth?  Hahaha!

Girls, Gossip, Grub, and Gawine

Okay, "gawine" isn't really a word.  But wine doesn't start with a "G" and I was going for alliteration. 

The girls wine party at casa de Cheri, DeAnna, y Rachel was muy bien! 

Our excellent and beatiful hostesses

The wine glass exhange 

Um, no!  Do NOT take my wine glass!  Kelli looks a little nervous.  She didn't want anyone to take her's either.

I got to keep the one I wanted!  "Girl's Party" wine glass.  Super cute.

Kelli got to keep the wine glass she wanted, too!

(Don't mind the crazies in the background)

Our winnings!! (Kathy?  Whatchu doin'?)

This picture is actually posed!  Haha!  Gotta love those midblink mouth open shots!

#1 Attempt.  Good, except Kathy's mouth is wiiiide open.  Again.

#2 Attempt.  Ah hmmm, Kathy!

#3 Attempt.  My favorite!!

What a great group of girls!

Partied All Up

Ryan and I have partied it up the past few weekends. 

First, we hit up the Margarita Ball in Arlington.  I always look forward to seeing lots of old friends there, not to mention the free margaritas. 

Then, we attended XTO's Christmas party at the Omni in Fort Worth.  XTO always does a great job with their functions!  The food is delicious (and the meat is free-range, which a big plus for me). 

Both nights I danced like a fool with the girls.  Fun stuff! 

(Ah-hem, and yes, I did wear the SAME thing to both parties.  Different crowds.  So what?!)
Two of my three brothers (Mark and Shane)

 I wanted him to smile!

 I wanted him to dance!  (look how red his face is!)

 My future sis-in-law.

Breaking it down

Girls do this with their hand when they dance ALL THE TIME! 

The girls with crowns were both Miss Something-or-Other.

XTO Christmas Party (See?  I have bangs here.)

 The glass on the window was funny.

But, let's try to take a picture now. 

 One more try.

Woop-woop! 

 A permanent fist pump.

 Ryan was comfortable in Jay's lap.

 I shared some of my hair with Jay.

My frey-ins.

The night's theme was "get inside of Mer's dress". 

 Cheri wanted to share it with me.

Cheri and Candice BOTH wanted inside.

I tried to fight them off!