Wow, what a trip

Let me preface this entry by saying I'm limiting the commentary because if I commented on all that has happened over the last 6 days I could publish a novel. So, I'll break it out by days and add photos to supplement the commentary.
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The Stokes' were suppose to leave for Iowa to Wednesday, however, plans changed when my sister ended up in the hospital with pnemonia. The plan was for Jen and her family to host us, as well as Tony's family, for Thanksgiving, but given her illness she hadn't had a chance to clean, shop or cook. So my Mom and I went to Iowa a day early to help. I'm happy to say Jen came home from the hospital Wednesday afternoon with strict orders to take it easy; Tony's making sure she does.
Mom and Taylor get fresh sheets on Jen's bed for her return home:



Thursday was Thanksgiving Day and Jen had a house full which made it a festive afternoon. Jackson LOVED the pumpkin pie.

Friday was a big day...first, it was time to burn off some of that pumpkin pie so my Dad, Jackson, Taylor, Kaylee and I headed off to Chuckie Cheese. As much as I dread this place Jackson and the girls absolutly loved it.

My boy has no rythem...


Next we celebrated my Grandma's 80th birthday with her favorite cake (homemade carrot cake), streamers and candles. We also presented her with a digital photo frame as her gift from all of us. We took her old photo albums and scanned in photos from the past as well as recent photos of her family. Some of you understand why we gave her this gift and for those who don't click here.

After the cake and fun it was time for Jackson's first haircut. Yes, he's 1 1/2 and just now barely has enough hair for his first haircut. We basically took off the curls on the back and tried to tame the unruly cowlicks on top of his head.

Saturday we all headed to Clarence, Iowa for the Wenndt Family Christmas. I'm posting various photos from the Christmas in case folks from the family want to save any to their personal files.

Sunday we headed home, just in time for a snowstorm. But as you'll see from the faces below we were ready, snow storm or not. We are ready to jump back into our routine....until next weekend when we do it all over again!

"I would like to go home now"


Me too...


Some of my random fun photos from the trip: