December

We had a fun-filled and travel-filled Christmas season! We started off our Christmas break in West Des Moines with my side of the family. My brother was home for Christmas from Arizona and my Grandma Kahl was in Iowa for Christmas this year. From there, we headed up to Spencer to Nate's parents' house for a few days where Nate's sister and family from Madison joined us. We all headed to Sioux Falls together to Nate's sister's house, stopping in Sioux Center along the way to visit with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was fun to spend time with everyone and catch up although we were definitely road weary by the end and happy to see our own house and sleep in our own beds. :) We celebrated Christmas as our own little family of four after we returned home on New Year's Day.

The boys playing with the Nativity Set under the Christmas tree. Both of them really enjoyed it this year and Brooks liked to push the angel on the top to play Away in the Manger.

Danny and Grandpa J out sledding.

Brooks's first time sledding. He liked it when he went down with Nate, but when he went down with Danny they crashed into the snow, which he didn't like at all.

We all went bowling together, which was SOOO fun! Danny (who is interested in anything sports-related) was literally jumping up and down the entire time because he was so excited.

Danny ready to open presents at Grandpa and Grandma J's house.

The boys playing with all of Grandma J's teddy bears.

Cute little Brooks sitting on the teddy bear's lap.

Me and my boys! I don't get a lot of pics with them because I am usually the one behind the camera, so I'm glad this one turned out so well.

Nate and Steven ready to open presents.

Brooks opening his Thomas Train from Uncle Steven

The boys with their presents. There is no room to walk!

Danny with his Hotwheels Garage from Uncle Steven

Danny helps Grandpa J open one of his presents.

Brooks with his tricycle from Grandpa and Grandma J. He liked to lay on top of all of the boxes.

Laying on another box. :)

Danny with his stocking at Grandpa and Grandma J's house.

Brooks opening his stocking.

Brooks talking on his cell phone while riding Thomas the Train.

Danny taking pictures with his very own digital camera.

The boys and the Santa Express.

Christmas lunch!

Brooks and Uncle Steven

Daddy and Danny building a snow man.

Danny and Uncle Steven

Our family with Nate's grandparents in Sioux Center.

Danny with his stocking from Grandpa and Grandma Meyer.

Brooks opening his stocking.

Brooks opening his Elmo guitar from his cousin Grace.

Grandpa and Grandma Meyer with all of their grandkids.

Danny and Grandpa Meyer building a Lego cement truck.

Swimming at Grandpa and Grandma Meyer's hotel. Such a treat to be able to do this in the middle of the winter--the kids LOVED it!

Brooks was not sure at first what he thought about the whole swimming thing. He spent some time on Grandma Meyer's lap watching his cousins while deciding if he wanted to try it.

He finally did get in and had a great time.

His smile says it all!

All my boys in the pool.