Christmas 2013......better late than never.

As much as I have been feeling like I have been better at keeping up with the day to day in my life (i.e. groceries, laundry, kid's homework, cleaning etc.)  I have neglected the blogging.  I apologize for such a delay!  However, I don't want to forget to post about the fun times we have had despite the crazy cold Iowa weather.   Christmas was a great time again this year.  Everyone stayed healthy and cheery (most of the time :))

We got our tree and decorations up REALLY late this year due to our Florida trip and the fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.  However...... I remember the days when my job was to change diapers, play, feed and occupy the kids while Brett flew solo with putting up the 2 trees and all the decorations.  WOW has it changed in just  a few years.  Now both kids love to help and each year their "help" gets more helpful and less harmful!!  They loved climbing up and down the ladder to put the ornaments on the trees. 



We had our own family celebration on Christmas Eve day.  Will's theme this year was super heros and Jake and the Neverland Pirates. 

Santa brought Kate a gymnastics mat to practice her moves and many American Girl Doll things.

The kids really enjoyed the day.

Christmas Eve afternoon we packed up the car and headed to Williamsburg.  My brothers flew in a few days before Xmas.  Kate and Will were so excited to see them!

Johnny got these old fashioned TV trays for a gift.  I think they are a hoot as I totally remember my dad eating on these as a kid (and I'm sure still does now).



Will got a kids set of power tools to use to help Brett finish the basement.  

Awwww...... what a cute pic!

Grandma & Grandpa Von Ahsen  joined us on Xmas day.  They had a great time and the kids enjoyed seeing them and showing them all their new toys.

Brett was a great help putting all the new toys together for the kids.

And Kate loved hanging out with Uncle Josh.

1/2 day kindergarten is really teaching Will how to read.  AND he enjoys it MOST of the time.

I shared our Xmas light necklaces from Disney World with Cindy for the day.  She loved them!

Papa sat up on his throne most of the day resting those brand new knees he has.  He was a real trooper the entire holiday, despite the pain and little sleep.

Jack the Elf arrived in Florida while we were on our trip and followed us back to Iowa showing up in crazy locations all over the house. 



Will had his Xmas program with his kindergarten class right before the holidays.  He was SO Nervous at first but quickly got comfortable with the crowd and began bellowing out the tunes!



He had to memorize a speaking parts about the shepherds arriving to find the baby Jesus.  We practiced and practiced and he did very well when it was his turn to shine. 

 It was a another great Christmas!!!