Not All Who Wander Are Lost: A January Christmas

Every time we get back to Iowa I completely fill our time with plans to see people we love and also to buy our bulk groceries. Our January trip was no exception, although it was to be just three days. Friday we helped prepare for the holiday at
Gabe and Missy's, which included, of course, making Cookie Moose with Forest! We got to babysit Joseph (that's Grace reading him a book) Friday night while Ben and Rebekah went to a Christmas party. We were up early Saturday for a trip to the Kalona Bent & Dent, Stringtown, and the Cheese Factory. Then we got to see Abby in Cedar Rapids late morning. A little more grocery shopping at Sams and we were off to see Aaron, Karla and Phaedra in Vinton. Next we went to see Torrey and Cheryl over past Garrison for a long overdue visit. After that we headed back to North Liberty to see how Gabe and Missy's Redemption tournament had gone and to get some rest for the Isbell Christmas on Sunday. This is very tipical of our trips to Iowa. We are blessed with so many people we love and care for. There are still many friends and some family we haven't seen since we moved to Alaska/Minnesota...maybe next time we're back in Iowa...

Steve and Abby

Phaedra posing with her Brain Noodle crown.

Torrey and Cheryl

Playtime with Willow!

Forest reading a bible story to Uncle John.

SUNDAY JANUARY 17TH, 2010

This year we celebrated Christmas with our family in Iowa on January 17th. This is the first time we've ever celebrated Christmas so late. It was good to stay in the 'attitude of Advent' a little longer. The later celebration was also good because I had committed to knit something for everyone for Christmas...that was 31 projects...so the extra time was needed to meet my goal. Some of the girls helped make a few dishrags and Maggie knit a couple hats so I can't take all the credit.

Everyone did their part to provide great food for our celebration. There was lots of eating, fun and games, gift giving and exchanging, excercise, loving, juggling, and here are some pictures to prove it.

Chris and Steve carving the roast beast.

Rebekah and Ben

Chris and Brooke

Some of the 'guys' hanging out...John, Joseph, Jacob, and Alex.

My beautiful Mother-in-law.

Carter and Phaedra playing 'Lions in the Zoo'.

Phaedra and Forest warming up by the fire after playing outside.

Blues Brothers or Men In Black?? Nope, 3-D Aaron and Karla.

Willow and Chris.

Sherri thought she'd take gifts to the car when some of the 'big guys' were outside. After getting hit with snowballs she turned and ran back in the house a little wet.