Christmas 2015 at Didi and Papi's

Since we got a late start back to Iowa this year, we did Laabs Christmas the day after on the 26th. The whole crew was there, ready to celebrate, open presents and spend time together.  The kids are now of the age that they have a great time playing together and running around at the Clear Lake house. The big hit this year was Papi's captain hat, as you can see from the pic (everyone wanted a chance sitting on Captain's lap).

Christmas at Nana & Bulls 2015

This year we got a late start back to Iowa, but we spent Christmas day at Nana and Bulls house.  All the traditions, Bill's stuffed pig/ham, stockings in the AM and lots of fun present opening.  Each year we say we will tone it back on the number of gifts, but Nana just can't help herself.

The annual cutting of the pig.

Our attempt at a Christmas photo.  Adele would only join if she could hold Otto. 

Otto getting into trouble in the bathroom.

Bull's giant Toe Stocking.

101 Dalmations

Veda and Adele's first play, 101 Dalmatians.  Veda was narrator #1 and Adele was Pepper (one of the Dalmatians if you couldn't tell).  This first pic was from their opening night and the second pic is one of Adele's buddies from Kindergarten, Tom.  They might have a little crush on each other (but you'd never guess that from the picture).

Veda narrating.

That's Adele on the left in a poncho.

Daddy Day Care

While Kathy had her annual Chicago trip/conference, it was time for a little 1 on 3 defense.  So, we went bowling down in Oakley, stopped by Zip's for a burger in our old stomping grounds and showed the place where I first lived in Mt. Lookout Square (on 1057 Delta Ave.).

In front of 1057 Delta Ave.

Pre-Christmas Neighborhood Fun

Adele got a seat with Santa on a rainy Saturday before Christmas this year.  At the Deerfield shopping center, they had santa, pony rides and a petting zoo.  Unfortunately, it was a torrential downpour, so we had to run from place to place.  Adele was the only one that would sit for a santa pic (because she love candy canes and attention ;)  

The annual santa fire truck stopped by the Greve's house in our neighborhood.  They sponsor an annual toy drive for kids in need, so our neighborhood is one of their biggest stops on the route.

And then the ugly Christmas sweater standoff where Kathy let Luke borrow her sweater (I'm not sure it looks good on either of them, but I guess that's the point).

And a final neighborhood party where we all met downtown and did a little post party drinking at O'Malley's in the Alley (and yes, that's me taking down Luke in a 1:1 Irish Car Bomb contest - although I may have spilled a little).

Thanksgiving Photo Shoot

Our last day started with a Christmas card photo shoot.  Here are just a couple of the hundred takes it took to get everyone looking in the same direction and not crying about stepping on prickly weeds in the sand.  Thankfully you only remember the good shot, not the pain in getting it.

We ended the evening with a friendly little game of Bean Boozled.  I honestly haven't seen all the kids laugh this hard.  Hudson was the big winner, citing he'd just tried a 'dogfood' flavored jelly bean in his traditional dead pan voice.  Other crowd favorites were moldy cheese, vomit and dirt (all of which are pretty true to form).

Thanksgiving in Florida

Day 4 was full of sandcastles and hanging out on the beach.

Christmas card material

Owen doing his best Weekend at Bernie's impersonation.

Hudson the seagull chaser.

Thanksgiving in Florida

On Day 2, Didi and Papi arrived, along with Aunt Kelly and Uncle Chris.  The kids were super excited to hang out with their cousins too.  Day 3, we went to the Tampa Zoo.

Thanksgiving in Florida

Off to Redington Shores, FL to spend Thanksgiving week with Didi and Papi.  Arrived on Monday, Nov. 23rd.  It's been a while since we've flown with the whole crew, so it was a fun treat for the kids. We hit the beach right off the bat and enjoyed some ice cream and beach volleyball with the locals.

Adele's Artwork

From Adele's parent teacher conference.  She received a great assessment from Mrs. Stanford.  So far, so good.