Home for the Holidays!

We had a wonderful Christmas in Iowa with our families! We've been back for a few days and already miss everyone. I'm happy to report that we had no travel issues and no sicknesses!! :) VERY different from the past two years. We even escaped a major snow storm in Virginia the day we flew out.

We arrived in Minneapolis on the 19th and were SO excited to see Ava again (Steph and Travis too, of course). :)


Jesse was so worried she would cry and not want him to hold her. Here she is clapping...I think she liked him! :)


I couldn't believe how tiny and petite she was. This little onesie she is wearing says "Ava" on it and we gave it to her last Christmas, before she was born. I loved seeing it on her!


Photo shoot in all the blankets. :)


We went to church with them on Sunday morning. Ava didn't want to be quiet during the service, so I entertained her throughout the hallways and loved it. :) After lunch, Steph, Ava, Jesse and I all drove down to Iowa (Travis came a few days later).


Here's Ava checkin out the snowy/rainy weather.

On Wednesday, we celebrated Christmas with Jesse's family. We opened gifts, went out to lunch, did a little shopping, played LOTS of Wii, ate a wonderful dinner, more Wii, etc. :) We thought Leta would be flying home on Thursday, but she actually didn't leave until Saturday because of the weather. It was fun to see her for a few extra days, although I know she was missing Jay!


P.j.'s, snowy night, full tummies, family and a roaring fire...ahhh. Life is good!


And a handsome hubby too!!




Grandpa and Grandma with their first Grandchild! She wasn't spoiled at all this Christmas. :)


All the girls in my parent's new kitchen. They've been remodeling the kitchen, living room, bathroom, etc. since September and it was so crazy to see everything in person. It looks sooooooo pretty though! :)


3rd Christmas Eve as hubby and wife!


1st Christmas Eve as Mommy and Daddy!


2nd Christmas Eve as hubby and wife!




We let Ava open one of her presents from us early..new Christmas jammies! :) She was so soft and cute.


Jesse ALWAYS volunteered to hold, feed and entertain Ava. :) He loves his niece!


Armstrong family.


The Wii provided us with endless hours of fun. :)


Merry Christmas!!








Overwhelmed by all of her new toys!


Traditional Christmas morning picture.


Ava wearing her Christmas outfit from us. Too cute!!




Sister shot...another required Christmas picture. :)


Jesse and his favorite girls :)


Deb, Leta and I relaxing on the comfy couch!


Ava and another outfit from us (boots from Jen and Dave).


Saying goodbye :(

The week flew by way too fast, but we loved every minute of it. This Christmas was a lot different than previous years, but my favorite one so far. We simplified gifts, had very few "set plans," stayed home more than usual and just enjoyed our time together. We laughed, stayed up late, ate more than we should have, played games, shopped, smothered Ava with love and attention, watched movies, etc. It was perfect. We are so blessed by the families God has given us. We love the memories that each Christmas brings and look forward to many, many more!!