New Year's Eve

We were actually home for New Year's Eve this year. I think that has only happened one time before since we have moved out to Colorado. Lucky for us, we have great friends who invite us over, with our kids, for a family friendly party. 

They had yummy food and activities for the kids (including watching Star Wars). We even had a "champagne" toast at midnight (New York time) before heading home. 

Thanks for a fun evening Dircks!

Happy New Year everyone!

Strutt Christmas

With one sibling uber pregnant, we decided to bring Christmas to her. So, Christmas morning, we packed up from Iowa and headed down to Kansas. The kids are so used to road trips, this was nothing new to them. It was something new for Dad and I. Being Christmas morning, all the food places were closed. Oops! Luckily we were headed south and that area has something Nebraska doesn't have, Quick Trips. The boys were finally introduced to the yumminess of gas station food. It was actually a really nice food stop that consisted of hot dogs and taquitos with chips and slurpees. I think the boys enjoyed it. 

We made it to Wichita and headed over the Aunt Becca and Uncle Brandon's (with Jonah and Cora). Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Rob and Aunt Whitney (with Autumn) were already there so there were a lot of people to play with and the boys were ready to get out of the car. And soon, Aunt Jenny and Uncle Aaron (with Carly and Layla) made it to town. 

The kids couldn't wait much longer so we got down to the business of opening presents and having a delicious dinner. 

Then we headed over to the hotel to spend the night. The boys passed out pretty quickly from a long day of traveling. It was cute.

Saturday was move-in day. We had rented a 4-bedroom house so everyone could stay in the same place. It worked out really well for us. 

There were a lot of games played....

and a lot of cousin time.

And just generally hanging out. It was really nice. 

Sunday morning, we headed downtown for a brunch buffet at the Do-Dah Diner. It was delicious. 

Table for 18.

Then Sunday evening, some of us ventured out in the ice to catch the new Star Wars movie. 

On Monday, while the little ones slept, the two big boys made it to the local arcade and bowling alley. They got to enjoy go-kart races and running through the lazer maze. They really enjoyed getting to run around for a few hours.

Then the rest of the kids joined us for a few games of bowling. I think everyone enjoyed themselves. 

For our last full day together we headed over to the Exploration Place and walked around. It was full of things to climb on, play with, and explore (hence the name). The kids loved it.

Wednesday, we all headed our separate ways. It was five days of fun, relaxing, and playing with family. I'm glad we were all able to meet for the holidays. It's fun to get to see new places. 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve we were able to meet up with Jon's family since they were also in Des Moines for a few days. And by meet up, I mean crash their family gathering. Literally. When you add my three boys to any function, it gets loud and wild. This was no exception. The Sprocks were gracious hosts. I hope it wasn't as bad (or noisy) as I think it was because it was really nice to see Jon and his family. 

These kids really do like playing with each other. 

Crazy group!

Weldon Christmas

Our first stop was Des Moines to spend some time with the Weldons. There was a lot of hanging out with cousins.

I'm not sure who came up with this activity, but it was a hit the entire week.

Of course, when at Grandma's, you must dress up.

One afternoon we got to have lunch with Grandpa Linden and Verdelle. We had a very nice dinner and some great conversation. We are so lucky everyone is willing to make trips to see us while we are in town.

We brought out a Lego Ferrari to occupy the boys (of all generations). They had a blast putting it together. And it did occupy a lot of time.

Grandma's lap is the best!

One morning we had breakfast at the baseball field. It was a really neat restaurant that overlooked the entire field at Principal Park. And it had great food. 

And of course, there were presents!

Cousins are your first friends.

For Christmas Eve, we went to the Van Wyk's church for a kid-friendly service. When we entered the church, each kid got to pick out a character to play. They picked out an angel, sheep, donkey, and wiseman. 

It was a fun little service. 

Then we headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's for our last night in Iowa. 

We hopped in the car Christmas Day and headed to Kansas to visit with the Strutts. 

Merry Christmas, Weldons! Thanks for the hospitality. It was so nice to spend so much time with everyone.