We spent nearly a week in Iowa to celebrate Christmas with the fam
These two did some nice bonding
Especially while trying to figure out the Perplexus
We celebrated in Pella with the Petersmas on Tuesday, and had quite the crew
Then on Wednesday, we headed up to Polk City for Sikkink Christmas at my grandparents’ new house
The boys were happy to see that Grandpa still stocks pistachios in his new living room
Back in Des Moines there were lots of good times and shenanigans to go around.
We also ventured out to enjoy the city. I got to spend quality time with Bret, Leslie and Julia, and Phil met up with us at a cool new place in the old Des Moines Register building. Arlys even showed me a bit of Ankeny.
The Historical Building has been one of my favorite places for a long time, so I enjoyed sharing it with the boys. Charlie, especially, got really into it.
Charlie exploring population densities over time in Iowa
They currently have a special kids’ room, wherein they display this great LEGO version of 801 Grand
And a sweet trains-around-Iowa setup
Henry and Grandma got some good ol’ snuggle time on the couch
And here’s Hennie preparing for our sledding adventure at Perkins School
Which also turned into a snowboarding adventure!
Turns out Charlie’s a natural!
We headed back to Minnesota in super-low visibility and it took 6 hours to make the 4 hour drive. We’re all back safe and sound, though, and have also gotten some good celebration time in with the Novaks. We started with Colleen’s birthday celebration at Day By Day Café, where the boys had their very own table! It was so adorable.
Pre-Christmas, I took a woodshop class with Laura, and we made some beeeeeeautiful cutting boards together!
We also enjoyed a new birthday game with Phil and some of his pals. Joe got some new games for Christmas, so we’re all set for the next game night. Who wants to come over?!
Do Does Did 