Christmas in Iowa

Our family spent Christmas 2012 in Iowa with those we love. We were able to do a few days in Cedar Falls at my grandparent's home and a few days in Fort Dodge with Gilby's whole family. It was a successful road trip with three little kids who were troopers the whole time.

We left the evening of Saturday the 22nd and made the 12 hour drive to Cedar Falls. We arrived Sunday morning and spent the day relaxing with my parents and grandparents. It was nice to spend quality time with my grandparents without a lot of hustle and bustle, or people coming and going. The kids were able to get to know their great grandparents better and didn't want to leave when the time came. On Christmas Eve my Uncle David and Tori, and Aunt Nancy, Shaina, and Nicole joined in on the fun. It was another relaxing morning followed by church in the afternoon, a delicious holiday dinner, and present opening at night. I have many fond memories of Christmas celebrations at my grandparents house, and we haven't been back to Iowa for Christmas Eve for several years, so it meant a lot to me to be able to share this experience with my own children.

 

 

 

 Ryker wearing the same outfit that Myles wore for his first Christmas.

 

 

 

We left Christmas morning and headed to Fort Dodge to celebrate with the Gilbert side. We arrived at Joe's house just in time for a visit from Santa! Myles and Sydney are still not sure what to think of Santa. We haven't really built him up or talked about him much, so I'm not sure who they think he is. Both kids gladly accepted the gifts Santa brought for them, but were hesitant to get close enough for a picture. Myles eventually did, but Sydney stayed securely on Mommy's lap. After Santa had to leave, we opened gifts with the family, ate a yummy brunch and spent the day relaxing and playing. Myles and Sydney had lots of fun playing with their cousin Joely, and Sydney still talks about going to "Joely's house."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spent the day after Christmas visiting relatives. We drove to Webster City to see Great Grandma Gilbert, ate lunch at Godfather's Pizza (a favorite of mine not found in Denver!), and saw Uncle Ron and Aunt Connie during a quick stop into Gilbert Jewelers before driving back to Fort Dodge. We visited with Great Grandma and Grandpa Steck in the afternoon and got together again with the whole family for dinner at Joe's.

 Great Grandma Gilbert meeting Ryker.

Having fun at Great Grandma's living facility.

 

 

Great Grandma Steck meeting Ryker.

 

Great Grandpa Steck meeting Ryker.

 

After breakfast the next morning, Sydney was lying on the bed in our hotel room, and summed up what we were all thinking when she said, "I'm exhausted, Mom." (Wonder who she learned that saying from?!?! Maybe her sleep deprived parents.) We packed up our stuff, spent some time playing with Grandma Gilbert at her house, and set out for home. 

We feel lucky to have seen so many family members this Christmas, and bring Ryker back for his introductory visit to Iowa. We have recovered from our exhaustion and have many new memories to look back on.