Sledding in New York

this morning we took the kids sledding at Crandal Park.  It's a small hill but big enough for 2 young kids.  They had a blast but after a half hour of walking back up the hill, they were done.  Skylar has on the bright pink pants, larissa is all in brown.   

Snow in New York

While the snow we had back in iowa was very wet and heavy, the snow we are currently getting in New York is light and fluffy.  it's been falling since last night and it's still falling, but we did get outside a bit before lunch to play.  Even Diesel had a good time (he's usually not so happy to be outside when it's cold out) 

Snow in Iowa

We got our first snow right before we left for New York.  We had blizzard like conditions so we didn't get out as much as we wanted, but they did get to play a bit out front and then they went sledding with John on Thursday. 

Christmas in Iowa

Before we left for New York my parents came down and celebrated Christmas with the girls.  They loved allt he Barbies and clothes they got.  Skylar also got a game and Larissa got a baby doll in a walker. 

they also got a playhouse from their cousins

 Dieselgot a rawhide

Christmas in New York

This year we decided to spend Christmas in New York with John's family.  This is the first time since we started dating that he has been back here for Christmas.  It took a lot of planning, but we made it work and the girls had a great Christmas.  The girls got a lot of dress up clothes, Barbies, movies, clothes and dolls.  Larissa got her swimming baby that she asked Santa for and Skylar got the doctor mommy doll that she really wanted.  They also got some Polly Pocket sets and Lalaloospy sets.  They are very happy. 

We also had a white christmas.  It started snowing overnight and they woke up to about an inch and a half of snow. 

Santa made his delivery

lighting the candels and putting out the baby Jesus

 Christmas Eve dinner, stuffed cabbage, meatballs, Lacho and pickled beets

opening presents from their cousins

 in their christmas jammies

 great grandpa Fred

 great grandma Alma

opening her stocking

 Santa brought them corn toasties

 swimming baby!!!

doctor baby

 if I'm quiet they will think I'm just another person

 playing hair stylist

 Diesel keeping great Gram company

Merry Christmas in Amana

Today we went to a little German Village near us for some cheese, sausage and jelly's.  We found out that over near the visitors center they had a building with a bunch of trees decorates by local businesses.  SSanta was also there to visit with the children.  There was no fee to get in but they were taking donations for the Make a Wish foundation to support a local teen with cancer who wants to go on a shopping spree with her friends.  Of course we donated some money. 

and look, they BOTH sat on Santa's lap

 Larissa was actually laughing with Santa