Christmas

The gifts have been opened, the stockings unhung and the miles put on I-80...it was a truly blessed and amazing Christmas!

Posing at home before Christmas Eve service. 

Kate before her performance as an angel. She did an fantastic job.

 Proud parents!

 After mass we went Grandma & Papa's for presents

and our annual dinner of crab legs which were as tasty as ever! 

 We were surprised the next morning that the kids slept until 7:30, but once they were up they wasted no time seeing if Santa came. 

 Favorite gifts included Legos, a dinosaur kit, robes, a loom to knit, a monkey watch and various craft supplies. 

 After lunch we headed to Sioux City to hang out with this cute little guy

 and open lots more presents! 

 The next day we had a family bowling adventure, which was lots of fun!

We are so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by all of our family over Christmas. More than all of the gifts, our kids will remember how much love they received!

Lately

The past few weeks have been so much fun with holiday activities. This time of year is definitely one of our favorites and filled with so much magic & joy!

Making reindeer treats to deliver to friends and family. 

 This year Kate was asked to be in the Christmas Eve play at Grandma's church. She will be the angel that holds up the star of Bethlehem, which she was in charge of making. This is one EXCITED little girl! 

 Every year Santa comes to our neighborhood on a firetruck. Here are the kids waiting for him. 

 As what has become a yearly tradition, Grandma, Kate and I went to the Playhouse to watch a performance. This year was Mary Poppins and it was fabulous. 

 Though it was over two hours, Kate sat wide-eyed the entire time and loved every minute!

 Last week we got to go the airport to pick up Papa who came home from Africa. 

 SO excited he is back!

 Our library holds a sweet book & craft night each month. The kids love it and really look forward to the different activities. 

 Throughout all the fun, we have managed to do some relaxing as well...

 And finally, last night we went to Holly Jolly Lights where we enjoyed the fantastic light displays and got to meet Santa. We were so proud of Andrew for not being scared of him this year! 

While we are all really excited for Christmas to be here, I am going to be so sad when it's over. It has been such a fun month!