Home For the Holidays

What a week! On Tuesday, Dec. 22nd, we loaded everything up and headed to Northwest Iowa to start our Christmas. We spent a few days in Spencer with Andy's family and a few days in Sheldon with Kelly's family. Not only did we have our Christmas events, but also 22 inches of snow! It was definitely a white and crazy Christmas. Marie's first Christmas was eventful, exciting, and exhausting to say the least. We are back in DesMoines as of Tuesday, the 29th. Time to unpack and relax for the rest of the break. Here are some photos of the week:

All of Grandma Van Beek's Grandkids

Sitting in front of the tree at Grandma & Grandpa Mueting's house.

And here is how our little MarieB is spending her evening - sound asleep in her own bed :)

SANTA TIME

We took the plunge and went to see Santa on Saturday. There were several places to go, but we chose to visit Bass Pro Shops because we heard their winter wonderland was quite special. The Santa is even featured in an article at www.desmoinesregister.com.

Limited standing in line + happy baby = happy mom & dad! When it was Marie's turn, she sat on Santa's lap (real beard, good guy), took a picture, and then he was talking to her and she grabbed his beard and gave a hug...very sweet. Several "awwwws" were heard from the other parents waiting. All in all a good experience. Here is a picture from the day. No smile, but still adorable.

Snow Day

Iowa was hit with a huge blizzard this week leaving us all trapped in our house. No school, no test, no daycare...just fun family time and lots and lots of shoveling! Here are some pictures of our snow day adventures:

Who is this masked man? Andy was sinking into the snow it was so high.

One of our many trips outside to shovel.

Our little girlie sitting by the tree.

A bath had to be interjected in the middle of cookie decorating due to an explosive
you know what....

This is how Charlie spent the day.

Mommy and Marie decorating her first cookie.

Marie was definitely wanting a taste of that frosting...
Finished product - delicious!!! All in all this was a very fulfilling snow day. It was nice knowing that we had nowhere that we had to be and we could relax with some family time.
Happy Holidays everyone!!!