An Iowa Christmas

Justin's mom and dad are from Charles City, IA. Jerry's dad and Jane's mom and dad still live there and almost all their brothers and sisters and their kids and their kids come every other Thanksgiving and Christmas to visit and have a ball. This year was the Christmas year, so we packed and headed that way. There was a blizzard the week before so there was already 8 inches of snow. And they get the big, fluffy snowflakes and lots of snow and no ice and are totally equipped and prepared for it! It snowed about 2 more inches while we were there. It was cold, but not near as cold as it has been when we've been there before. This was Jack's first time and Macy's 3rd trip back. They loved it-all the love and fun! There was food, food and more food everywhere we went and many, many activities. Bingo, sledding, tobogganing, caroling, decorating cookies, yukar and the list goes on. Justin's Grandpa Paul is 94 and sharp as a tack and so fun. He loves to get everyone together and watch. He works out at the Y 4-6 times a week, lives alone, drives, etc. WOW!!! Justin's Grandpa Keith and Grandma Lou are in their mid 80's and are in great shape as well. They golf, garden, chop wood, shovel the driveway, etc. Some good jeans on both sides there!!! FYI-Jerry and Jane both have 4 brothers and sisters each and all their names start with J! I had Jack picked out before I even met Justin. Good thing it was a J name, ha!

It took us 11 1/2 hours to get there and 12 hours to get back. Both of those were all in ONE day! The kids were fabulous for the trip. I'm so glad we made the trip. It was a wonderful, white Christmas. Who knew we would have a white Christmas at home too? There were 43 total family members in this wonderful Norman Rockwell town from the Maland and Hadley sides celebrating Jesus Birthday and togetherness! What great memories!