Ho Ho Ho from FEET of Snow!

Greetings from Postville, Iowa!

We left the 80 degree Houston at 3 AM Wednesday morning, and by 9:40 PM we were pulling into feet of snow and 28 degree weather into Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Thursday morning was spent at Grandma and Grandpa Suddendorf's, just catching up and enjoying time together. Grandpa was beat not once, but TWICE by his grandkids in Hand and Foot, which just made the card games that much more entertaining. Amy, Dan, Leah, and Becky showed up to Postville that afternoon, so time was spent together laughing and loving the times together. Kole and Leah went "exploring" in the feet of snow in grandma's backyard while Dad was the "Cabana Boy" making plenty of margaritas for everybody else. That night we played a game called "Spit It Out" which provided laughs that turned to tears and memories which we will never forget.

Today is CHRISTMAS EVE! This morning I was woken up to the pitter-patter of 4 year old feet, and the noise of a 14 year old who doesn't realize that 7:30 AM doesn't mean that everybody should be up... Hmmm... This morning Dan, Leah, Kole and I went sledding at Uncle Doug's. Unlike 2 years ago, the snow was a lot of fun this morning! Warm clothes and layers definitely make a difference! After one particular run, we were getting driven back up to the top of the hill when what do we see? One red mini van stuck in a snow bank... Congrats Dad! *lots of time later* PHEW! Unstuck! *30 seconds later* Congrats Dad! You're stuck in a snowbank again! Haha... Amy decided to drive some of us back home to shower and get ready for Christmas Eve Supper... Congrats Amy! You got stuck in a snow bank too! Thanks Aunt Becky for finally getting us back to grandma's!

Christmas Eve dinner went off without a hitch. Although not all of the family could make it for supper due to bad weather, the time spent together with the Great Aunt's and Great Uncle's and Great Grandma was definitely enjoyable, as time with them is rare.

We are getting ready to go up to Grandma and Grandpa Suddendorf's for our Christmas, and then Christmas Eve Church Service at the church where I was baptized.

And tomorrow is Christmas! It seems so much more magical with a 4 year old in the hosue with the whole "Santa" thing and all, but we remember the real reason for the holiday... Happy *early* Birthday Jesus!!