Tis the Season...

I know it's a little late, but Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, filled with love, peace, and family and that the true meaning of Christmas stays with you and yours the entire year.

We've had a wonderful and busy last week. Friday afternoon we made the trip up to LeMars and spent a nice and long weekend with Matt's family. His brother, Chris, and our niece, Madison, flew in from Texas and Todd, Caroline, Steph & Leo made the trip down from Des Moines as well. It was so good to all be together (Jay, Debbie and the boys were also there -- but they live in town, so they didn't spend the night...) and the kids had such a blast playing non-stop for three days. We packed so much into the weekend -- a visit with Santa, a game night, Christmas celebrations, yummy food, and lots and lots of time to visit. One of the major highlights for Katherine..... getting to play with her beloved cousin, Jacob. I'm not sure what it is, but man... this girl is head over heels for her older (and absolutely adorable) cousin. She follows him around and just glows. Literally, she doesn't stop smiling! In the words of Thumper -- she's been twitterpated! And he's so sweet! He caters to her every whim and always includes her. I'm sure he likes the attention, too!!

Another highlight was playing with Madison! In Katherine's world there is nothing better than an older girl cousin to show her the ropes. Whenever Katherine gets to play with Madison she feels like such a big girl and wants to do whatever Madison does. It's so sweet! Katherine is anxiously awaiting Madison's arrival in Des Moines. We're *hoping* that they are able to come down and spend a few days with us before they need to head back to Texas. Katherine is already planning an all-girl slumber party!!

I've got tons of great pictures, but haven't started editing them. I'm hoping to have them done in the next day or two and as soon as I do, I'll post!!

We headed back home on Monday morning and then had Christmas with my family -- church, dinner and opening presents. As soon as we got home, Katherine made the mad dash into bed. Literally, she ran right up to her room, turned off the lights and crawled into bed. She was all about waiting for Santa! Unfortunately, she feel asleep too soon and didn't hear the Rudolph land on the rooftop!! LOL!

There is nothing better than seeing the magic of Christmas in the eyes of your children. I remember how wonderful Christmas was as a child, and it's my hope to build those same warm memories and traditions with my own kids...

Christmas morning we woke up to a tree filled with presents and two very happy little kids. Caleb got his long awaited train table, which has now become our new coffee table! LOL. I swear, he's played with it non-stop!! Katherine got her iPod (not a real one) but she loooves it, and the computer she's had her eye on! So it was a good Christmas for all.

Pictures *hopefully* tomorrow!!