Christmas in Iowa

We made the trek to Iowa for Christmas this past weekend, surviving a snow storm and frigid temperatures.  Thankfully it was worth it as it was great to hang out with family.  On Saturday night, we had Christmas with Grandpa Al followed by Christmas with Grandpa Rich on Sunday.   We finished the weekend with a trip to Maquoketa to see Great Grandpa Kunde. A big thank you to Great Uncle Donnie for the great hospitality.

A trip to Ella's favorite restaurant Frascas. 

The waitress said she liked Ella's outfit so Ella had to model it for her.

After seeing Aunt Abby's Roomba, Jack decided to create his own. 

Aunt Jill and Jack snuggling after opening presents. 

Ella drinks her hot chocolate just like her mom her coffee.

Jack was an amazing "garbage man" during present opening. 

Cousin photo

Cousin dinner time. 

Boy cousins...

Girl cousins...

Maeve enjoyed opening presents.

We've Got A Walker!

Maeve has been taking steps every day, and she's really starting to take off!

Maeve taking her babies shopping.

We were at Target and she grabbed a pair of underwear off the rack. 

Jack shaving after his bath.

Playing in the snow.

Jack the garbage man. He's been dragging around this bag for days.

Jack is Four!

It's hard to believe, but our sweet, silly boy is four years old. Jack's birthday was on Friday, and he enjoyed a great weekend of celebrating. After starting the day by opening his birthday gift from us, a garbage truck he'd been asking for, he took treats to preschool. He spent the afternoon picking up garbage, and then was surprised when Grandma and her friend, Deb, arrived in time for his birthday dinner of pancakes. On Saturday we spent the afternoon at an indoor water park, where Aunt Kristin, Jace, and Finely joined us. We ended the day by going out for pizza. And to complete the weekend, today marked the first snowfall of the season, and the kids had fun playing outside. 

Enjoying popcorn cake sent by Grandma. 

Blowing out the candles on his birthday waffle.

How is he four?!

Jack requested a strawberry cake.

Playing with his  new garbage truck.

Jack playing with his big garbage truck, Maeve playing with his little one.

Reading books before bed.

Reading with Grandma.

Maeve was enthralled with the first snow.

She's been taking quite a few steps lately!

Our sweet baby boy.

Jack's first birthday.

Jack's second birthday.

Happy Thanksgiving! (from St. Louis)

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving with Erin, Martin, and Sam, in St. Louis. Erin and Martin left Chicago in June, and moved into their beautiful new home at the end of September. It was our first time visiting them, and we couldn't have had better hosts! On Thanksgiving day we walked around the St. Louis Zoo prior to our feast. Friday was spent exploring the very, very cool City Museum. And fortunately, there is more to explore on our next visit, because we'll definitely be going back! Before we left for home on Saturday, we journeyed to the top of the St. Louis Arch. It was a great weekend of hanging out with family and Arlene the cat. Jack kept asking Erin where "You's-lene: went. We finally figured out that he thought the cat's name was "Our-lene." Once we returned home, Clark, I mean, Jeritt, put the finishing touches on our Christmas decorations to fully get us in the holiday spirit!

Erin made flower crowns for the Thanksgiving ladies.

Maeve's hair is officially out of control. Quite reminiscent of Dwight Schrutte from the Office. 

Ella was an arts and craft machine.  This was her flowers and vase for mom. 

Jack made his very own train.  I am not sure who is sitting in front.  

St. Louis Zoo. 

Off to the top of the St. Louis Arch in a tiny pod.

Jack making his scary face.  

A snack after the Arch.  Ella needed some space after the tiny pod ride.  

The City Museum in St. Louis.  This place is amazing. 

Jack wasn't fazed by anything.  

Jeritt was likely the most afraid. 

They even had a train. 

Post-Thanksgiving. We can finally turn on the Christmas lights.