Christmas in Iowa 2015

Christmas in Iowa started off with the usual fun!

 Henry really got into the play room action with all the cousins this year. Can you find him?

The older cousin crew fit in another game of celebrities.

Looks like the trophy is headed to Pella for the year!

We read and reenacted the Christmas story. Probably one of the best performances yet!

Grandpa Lyle was kept company by Miss Faith most of the day.

Aunt Joni surrounded by angels!

Can't thank Miss Addi enough for taking Henry under her wing!

Musical chairs- always a good idea : ) 

Henry receiving a cheese stick for a consolation prize!

Now for a crazy relay competition...

Everybody wins!

Can you tell we were having a lot of fun!

Henry happy as can be!

The next morning started out a little more relaxed with Bronco videos

and spaceship flying!

Everyone got some great gifts!

The highlight was definitely this cute little Jedi and his light-saber! 

 Henry lucked out having such kind cousins who share!! Thanks, Silas : ) 

The BEST gifts around the Christmas tree is the presence of FAMILY!

Christmas in Wisconsin 2015

A trip to Wisconsin means barn chores!

Can't beat milking cows with Grandpa Steve.

Well, maybe petting kitties with Aunt Keilah is pretty cool too!

Sneaking in a few snuggles with Grandpa before bed.

Okay, now to normal Christmas activities.

Visiting with hometown friends!

Helping Grandma Jane with Christmas cookies!

Opening presents!

Wishing I would have gotten these two boys on video. 

Henry getting after the unwrapping and Liam exclaiming "Whoa!"

Adorable Nolan in his adorable Christmas pj's!

 More presents to open!

 Giving hugs : ) 

And of course who wants to play with toys when there is a BOX!

Alright, time to get ready for dinner. Liam showing everyone else up  with his dapper look!

Godson & Godparents

And now for Henry's hour of sugar!

Our last bit of fun with the Powers cousins!

While I forgot to get our traditional family photo in front of the tree I did remember to get the tree!

 

Christmas Prep

We went to our usual spot (Kiwanis) for our tree. Henry was more interested in getting inside their camper than he was about picking out a silly tree!

His Great-Aunt Alice sent us some very special stockings. Henry thought they looked great and immediately put them on his feet where all stockings in his world go!

Eventually we convinced him to help us hang them by the chimney with care!

Next up, lets get dressed up and take a few photos in front of the tree. Yes, you can hold the reindeer you made at Amanda's.

Taking a two-year-old's photo... I should have known it would take more than one session!

So close!

Not that I was all that successful with him as a 3-month-old

or 1-year-old.

Next up - Christmas at Grandma Jane & Grandpa Steve's house! 

I only made the mistake of mentioning the trip 2 days before our departure. We ended up hearing about it at least 20 times a day and at least 3 different times he woke up in the middle of the night crying out - 

"I wanna go to Grandma Jane's house!"