The weather outside is frightful.




After at least 6 inches of snow here in Eastern Iowa, we are ready to break out the snow pants and boots and start celebrating this wonderful time of year!

We've also hung our ornaments on the tree and decked the halls for Christmas!





Olivia has definitely been in the holiday spirit this year. We are all so excited for Christmas. We've watched “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” nearly every night. Shes even gone to see the light display a dozen times. Olivia also likes for us to tell her about Santa coming on Christmas Eve. She can't wait to bake him some cookies and set out an apple for Rudolph. This will probably be the first Christmas she has any memory of, which makes it even more special.









Thomas has been growing up on us. He's now smiling and cooing quite a bit. He's also found his voice and will let you know if he doesn't like something. He seems to like it when Olivia runs over and makes him laugh. They are really good together. Although sometimes I have to remind Olivia not to squeeze him quite so hard. Ha ha! He's a big boy (now over 14 pounds at 6 weeks), so I don't have to worry about him too much!


Sissy making him laugh




I know this one is blurry, but it was too cute not to show you!



Last weekend Steve celebrated his 30th Birthday. We took a trip to Minneapolis to stay in a hotel and watch The Vikings play on Sunday. As most of you know, Minneapolis got over 17 inches of snow. Needless to say, the trip there was treacherous! We made it there a few hours longer than it usually takes, but we made it. We checked into the Hilton and went to get some supper. Unfortunately there restaurant was short on staff with the weather, so they only had a few things on the menu and a 2 hour wait. So, we decided to venture through the downtown sky way. We stumbled upon a cozy, fancy little place called Ruth's Chris' Steakhouse. It was delicious! When we got back to the hotel we discovered the game had been postponed. We bummed a bit, but headed to The Mall of America the next day so our trip wasn't a total loss. Before we left, we heard the metrodome had collapsed and drove by to check it out. What a crazy weekend! A birthday I'm sure Steve won't soon forget!


The view from our room on the 17th floor. It was magical to see the snow falling from around the sky scrapers.

This Friday we start our rounds of Christmas parties. Olivia can't wait to play with her cousins and open presents. We hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas!