Was Santa Here?

When we returned home from our trip to Iowa, there were a few things in the yard that weren't there when we left...Lucy got out to investigate, and found a sign with her  name on it! From the footprints in the snow, we're pretty sure Santa was here!

Thanksgiving 2014

We spent Thanksgiving in Iowa this year. We were back at St. Mary's School on Thanksgiving Day for the "Big Overmohle" holiday, and caught up with the White side of the family on Friday night. In between, we had the opportunity to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa, and my brothers and their families. Us kids even managed a rousing game of "Cards Against Humanity" while Grandma and Grandpa watched the littles. I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long time!

This toolbox and tools belonged to my great-grandfather.

Lucy and her second cousin, Leighton.

We love us some Auntie Lynn!

Family time!

Pretty maids all in a row, awaiting the annual gift from their brothers.

Barn board tool boxes (or planter boxes, or whatever you want!)

We managed a trip to Santa's Castle on Friday.

Mom hosted her family on Friday night.

A busy, but fun weekend! We have many blessings to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Lucy's Lens: July 4th

My parents gave Lucy a digital camera for her birthday, and she often brings it with her when we go places. It's fun to see her perspective, hope you enjoy it too!

Summer Weekend Warriors 7/5: July 4th and 20 Years Go By Fast

Thursday night we headed down to good 'ol Storm Lake for a good 'ol Fourth of July celebration! It was also the weekend I celebrated my 20-year high school reunion.

I got to ride on a parade float!

Note for next reunion - more candy. We ran out before the end!

Cutie cousins heading from Aunt Laurie's house to the park.

Cardboard boat races.

All this excitement, and they're looking for rocks.

3 Musketeers.

We waited a long time at the park before fireworks...

...well over an hour...

...for this balloon penguin!

The reunion festivities really started on Saturday. There was a picnic at Chautauqua Park for classmates and our families. In the early evening, Husband and I went out for dinner with some of my close friends and their spouses, then everyone reconvened at the park for awhile for boat rides and drinks before going out. We went to the hub of Storm Lake night life, Puffs. (I'm happy to say the bathrooms are much cleaner than the original Puffs from back in the day).

I have to say I really had a good time at the reunion. It was a relatively small turnout, maybe about 25% of the class, and not all at the same time. People drifted in and out of the various activities. There were some notable absences (like the people who actually live in town and were spotted in town), but the crowd that was there was fun! I enjoyed the company of my close friends, reconnected with others, and learned a lot about a few of my classmates that I maybe didn't know so well back then. I really had no preconceived notions or expectations about it. It was relaxed and fun, and I hope we get even more people to show up for 25.

And can I say...I just love these ladies! So blessed to have them in my life since high school (and even before that in some cases).

We crossed something off the SUMMER list! parade fireworks

Easter in Iowa

Got to have "moms only" coffee with my dear friend Laura -
two of her kids (delightfully) crashed the party before we were set to leave.

Grandpa broke out the bounce house!

Great Gram.

And they're off! Saturday night Easter egg hunt.

The Easter Bunny always makes a good showing at Grandma's house!

Love.

Saturday night viewing of "Turbo."

They clean up pretty nicely!

Great family time!

Valentine's Recap

Lucy has a special friend at church, who made her a special valentine!

This year's school valentine.

Lucy also  made a few special valentines to send to grandparents and Uncle Justin.

Somebody made me feel pretty special (and surprised!) on Valentine's Day...

My two valentines at dinner.

What more could a girl ask for?!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

We've had all kinds of Christmas happening around here...

The tree came out the day after Thanksgiving, and it didn't take long for the rest of it to come out, too. I had a bit of a hard time locating our Elf on the Shelf, Red...the box was where it belonged, but no elf inside. He apparently made an escape. Eventually he was found (in my closet?) and we have fun looking to see the new place he lands each morning. Although sometimes he's "tired," or there's "bad weather"...so he stays in the same place. :)

Thursday night was Lucy's holiday program at preschool. Short and sweet, and full of little angels.

Today we had a couple more great Christmas traditions to keep us in the holiday spirit. First, Breakfast with Santa at Lucy's preschool. This year, she told Santa she wants Legos and new orange tracks (for her Hot Wheels set). She did great talking to him, and we had a fun time catching up with some of her classmates who have moved on to kindergarten.

Right after Santa, we headed over to our church for the Advent Fair. Lucy got to decorate cookies and have them baked right there, sing Christmas carols, decorate cards, make an Advent book, and participate in a live Nativity scene.

It's Christmas all over the place!

Happy Thanksgiving!