And so this is Christmas...

Usually, we don't think of Iowa as a picturesque winter wonderland. But in tiny waverly, my in-laws' backyard extends down to a willow lined river's edge that sparkles and crackles with ice and snow. It's delightful, especially when viewed from the comfort of their sun-drenched living room. At night deer come right up to the basement windows for a view rivaling that at an African safari, minus the poachers and machine guns.

We got to Iowa early this year in an effort to avoid the worst of the storm, and as a bonus got to enjoy a quiet morning with Grandma and Grandpa. The rest of the gang trickled in over the next couple of days, as the noise level slowly rose in the house. At some point it got to be too much for Millie, who did not sleep at all for three nights. We hysterically tried to shoosh her in the middle of the night so she didn't wake up the rest of the household. But she behaved very well during waking hours and had a wonderful time. Which is really all that matters.

This is my in-laws' back yard.



Helping Grandpa fill the deer food.



Chillin' out with Grandpa. Don't let this photo full you, this was just moments before the quiet turned to chaos when the rest of the family showed up. Chaos in a good way.



Taking a moment to relax.



Millie and her cousin Kate take Ring Around The Rosie very seriously.



The cousins stop for a Kodak Moment with Grandma and Grandpa.



After what can only be described as the upteenth meal of the day (cookies don't count), it's gift opening time!

Can you say "sensory overload?"



It's madness, I tell you, madness!



But Millie loves it.



This is the view from their basement. Yes, the deer are that close.



...A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear.

Merry Hanukkah!

A Stockholm Christmas

First thing is first: Meet Santa. When Santa asked her what she wanted, Millie quietly said, "P.Q." (Translation: computer.)

You don't have to be a body language expert to see that Millie was a bit uncertain about sitting on a strange man's lap, especially one holding a giant rod of jingle bells. But as the day went on, and we kept running into him around Stockholm, they became great friends and were on first name basis by the time we left. "See ya' Millie! Ho Ho Ho!"


And here they are, taking a "sleigh" ride, Wisconsin style, with Bogus the dog.


Playing nicely together at the farm. This moment was far less rare than one would think. We have great kids.




On the way home, I was hoping, no, praying for a nap. But alas, it was not meant to be. So we played hide and seek. This is how Millie hides.


And this is what she does when you are done counting to ten. She thinks it's great fun.


Jorg took great pics of Millie that I hope to post soon.

Ho Ho Ho