Christmas in Iowa

Just as our trip to Florida was uncertain, so was our trip to Iowa. We decided that Florida wouldn't be such a bad place to be stranded for a couple of days. :-) Of course, we were anxious to see the rest of our family as well. Well, it all worked out again and we arrived in Iowa on time on the 23rd of December. The trip from Des Moines to Cedar Falls was a longggg one, but we made it! Elijah got another gold star for being an outstanding traveller.

We stayed at my sister's house this trip. It worked out well because one of us wasn't always having to leave early to get a little one to bed. This time we got to hang out after the kiddos went to bed! We grilled steaks on Christmas Eve (which is what we did last year when they all came to NC) and then went to mom and dad's for Christmas Day. Luckily we got to eat turkey dinner even though the roaster wasn't on for a good bit of time due to a blown fuse. :-) Enjoy our family pictures and memories...

Night #1 - Uncle Matt reading to Lauren and Elijah

Morning #1 - EJ and his cousin, Avery -- Which do you suppose he is trying to get? The ball or her pacifier?

You guys just wait until next year when we are both WALKING! :-)

At least Lauren and Anne got to enjoy the carousel. The mean old man aka the grinch wouldn't allow Elijah to ride because he didn't have on shoes. Seriously!

Christmas morning! Santa did come! BUT I think this was in Lauren's stocking... Aunt Anne completely spoiled everyone! He loves this thing, by the way!

The grandkids at Gram & Papa Bailey's

Merry Christmas my blue-eyed boy!

What? Santa actually came to grandma's house too?

Anne, Lauren (with her new water dispenser), and Auntie Emily

These "jingle" bells were a hit!

Miss Avery playing her new drums

Elijah had such a good time with his cousins!

Brrr...we definitely had a WHITE Christmas!

Christmas Eve (actually on the 27th due to weather) at Oakleaf with the Petersens..

1st cousins (once removed) Elijah, Reed Beenken, and Taylor Petersen

There were LOTS of little ones roaming around!

Six of the seven Petersen siblings with Grandpa.

And the grandkids (minus 2, I think)

I didn't get the great grandkids so if anyone reading this did, would you please send me a copy!

The Baileys, Boyers, and Wheelers

Family Portrait

I have some videos to post but they just don't seem to be cooperating so I shall post without them and perhaps try to add them later!