Santa's Here!

 Something I truly enjoy about JP is that Santa visits the local toy store.  Izzy has been talking about him for awhile asking for gum.  When we finally saw him she didn't want to sit in his lap but never left him either.  She enjoyed showing him all sorts toys there.  Unfortunately, on the way home my car was T-boned.  I guess I should have sat on his lap and asked for a new car as well.  Luckily no one was hurt.

On the Farm

 Izzy and I were able to stay a bit longer on the farm after Thanksgiving.  Originally she wasn't too excited about the tractor.  However, after moving a few piles of dirt she really got into helping Opa work the tractor.  Maybe next year we won't have any crying at all.

 Still a delight, Izzy loves putting things on her fingers.  This time it was raspberries.

Izzy loved playing picnic with Opa.  It was so neat to see our childhood toys having a new life.

Pre-Christmas Presents

We decided to open a few gifts after Thanksgiving for fun.  These silly octopi were the first and a huge hit with all the grandkids.  Avery would wind-up and throw his like a baseball, Amelia would help the younger ones get there's going, Izzy would just giggle and Audrey would scream.  It was mass chaos. 

Izzy & Audrey had identical presents.  In our haste, I forgot to pack a pair of PJs so this was perfect for here to sleep in. 

 Izzy & Audrey then got all worked up and spent a good portion dancing for us.  It was so fun to see these two together.  I can't wait for more gatherings were they have someone their own age to play with.

 The adults were not left out.  We opened our gift exchange after the kids went to bed.  This year we decided to do a theme… "as see on TV".  Abe was super excited to get his snuggie.  We'll have to see what next year's theme will be.  Diane's already asking if we want to do an "ugly Christmas sweater" theme!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This was the first in several years when the whole family was able to get together for a holiday.  As mom & dad's new house on the farm was completed, this was it's inaugural celebration.  Though many generations were there, it never felt crowded allowing for a fun time for all.

Initially we were planning on flying on Thanksgiving.  Our original tickets were changed having us arrive at close to midnight.  We thought we could manage that one.  However, once at the airport our flight was cancelled so back home we went only to get up early the next day and reattempt this trip.  We make it on our first flight only to find they put us on a flight with two seats left.  While deciding if only 2 of us should continue, a lady gave up her seat and so we all made it.  Needless to say we were a bit exhausted.  But that didn't stop us from enjoying a wonderful turkey dinner.