Friday, December 28, 2012

Christmas Day

We had a busy Christmas morning.  I even set the alarm so we could get an early start to our day.  After presents, we went to Christmas mass.  Then we packed up and headed to Ottumwa for lunch.  Thank goodness the roads were good for all of our traveling these past two days.
Checking out what is in the stockings.








Once we arrived in Ottumwa, we went straight to my grandparents farm to celebrate.  Everyone looks forward to gathering together there.  My grandparents like to host even though they are 91 and 92 years old.  CRAZY!!!!  

 Then we headed to my mom's house. 
Photo taken by Ruthie
Another picture taken by Ruthie


A silly picture of my brother's family.  Ruth wanted to be in their picture too:-)
This year all of the kids have really grown in height and look so much older. 



Thursday, December 27, 2012

Christmas Eve in Omaha

Clare hangin out with her cousin, John.

Playing Spot It.  Clare got this game in her stocking last year, and I thought to bring it to Omaha.  Dan absolutely loved playing it.

Gramma loves to get a picture with grandkids.

A new Under Armour shirt

Ruth's gift from Gramma was a doctor kit.  This was a hit.

Trying to teach the older kids how to play Eucher.

Here I am with my sister in law, Raye, and Mary

Phil with his mom and brother, Dan

Letters to Santa




Sunday, December 16, 2012

Basketball

Andrew has been playing basketball this season.  To be honest, basketball isn't one of his favorite sports and has opted not to play it the last couple of years.  But this year a team asked Andrew to join and play in a few tournaments and league games.   All of these boys he has known for a few years due to playing on the same football or baseball team.  All are great kids. 

This weekend, the Heat, had a tournament.  They played 3 games and made it to the championship game and won. 
Andrew is the first boy on the left in the back row. 

Sunday, December 9, 2012

First Snow

The girls couldn't wait to go out in the snow after church.  I brought up their snow pants from the basement, hoping Ruth's would still fit.  Luckily they did but not by much.  Once they were all bundled up, out they went.  Ruth didn't last very long, too cold and wet too.  The snow was perfect for snowballs since it was a wet, heavy snowfall.  This is about all we got.  It melted later in the day.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving in Ottumwa this year.  My mom hosts it every year but we don't always make it home.  My brother's family came too.   The next day, we visited my grandparents, which we just saw the previous day but we met my cousin Michelle and family out at the Farm.  The kids had fun getting together with their cousins and we'll all be together at the Farm for Christmas.
So sweet!!
My cousin Michelle and I with my grandpa. 


A Little Late

Andrew's 12th birthday was Nov. 11th.  We celebrated with going to Buffalo Wild Wings, his choice.  Then it was time for presents and cake.  In less than a year, there will be another teenager in the house.