Go Hawkeyes!

A few weeks ago the Iowa Hawkeyes played in a BCS Bowl football game. It was a big deal in our house. We all wore our Hawkeye gear--including Daisy :) They won--I credit the fact that they had the cutest cheerleader on their side!

Grandma's Girl

One last picture from our trip to Michigan and a picture from our stop off in Indy our way home. Either place though--Grace is definitely a Grandma's Girl!

The Spruces

While we were in Michigan, my mom, Grace and I spent an afternoon with the Spruces. Boy did Grace have fun! She had presents to open--a rocking chair and high chair for her baby dolls--both handmade by Leonard! Jenny got out her old dolls so Grace could play with them. And by the end of the day, Grace was giving Grandma Marg hugs. I'm sure Grace can't wait for our next visit!

"For me?!?!"

"This one is as tall as I am!"

Grace being silly and sitting in her baby's chair. I doubt she'll be able to fit in it for long!

A day at the Spruce's makes a girl mighty sleepy! (Check out the boots that Grandma Applebee got her! So cute!)

Sledding

The Monday after Christmas, when we were still in Michigan, we got a nice snowfall. We decided it was time to introduce Grace to playing in the snow. We had brought her new sled, so we bundled her up and put her in it. She loved it, Daisy loved running around the backyard chasing the sled, and Mark and I loved seeing "our girls" have so much fun!

Snow suit--check!
Boots--check!

Hat--check!

Ready to go!

And we're off!

Daddy and Grace

"This is awesome!"

"This stuff is interesting to walk on!"

Simon

Before the Weber Christmas party, we stopped at my best friend's parent's house. Alexia and I have been friends since eighth grade and it's become a Christmas tradition to stop at her parent's house to see them, have some Greek pastries, and for Mark to take the obligatory shot of ouzo with Alexia's dad. Alexia's cousin, Voula, has a little boy, Simon, who is about a year and a half older than Grace and we planned our visit this year so Grace and Simon could meet. I am so glad we did! They were instant friends. Running around the hallway that makes a circle in Alexia's parents house. They had SOOOO much fun together! Simon even started calling her "Gracie" without being prompted. I think the funniest part of their interaction was that Grace started lifting her dress over her head (yes, we need to work on modesty) so then Simon came up from behind and lifted her dress. Hilarious!

Grace and "Auntie" Alexia

Christmas Celebration #4

December 27th brought another day of celebrating! We went to my Dad and Sandee's house and exchanged gifts and then went to my Aunt Peggy's house for the big Weber gathering. Grace loved running around the house, helping open presents, and seeing some of my cousin's kids. The Weber Christmas was my favorite thing as a kid--there were 15 of us grandkids and we always had a great time. While time and distance made this a smaller gathering, it was still fun!

Grace hoping that Grandpa likes her gift!

Grace LOVED my cousin Kyle's girlfriend--especially when she tickled her!

Grace and Dominique

Grace, little Bobby (about 7 months younger than G), Sarah, and I--we couldn't get one picture where we all were looking at the camera so I decided to just make a collage of all of them!

The wonder of the wagon!

After breakfast on our second Christmas morning, Grace got her big gift from Grandma and Grandpa Applebee--a wagon! My mom had debated a lot before Christmas about whether she should get a wagon with a door or not. She LOVES the door--good choice mom :)

So excited to try it out--she got in it before the wheels were on!

"This is awesome!"

Grace's first "ride" in her wagon

The door of the wagon provides so much enjoyment!

Of course the best part of the gift was the box! It was a great tunnel and daddy even tried it out!

Christmas Celebration #3

After celebrating with Mark's family on Christmas Day, we loaded up the car and headed to Michigan. We left just after 5 p.m. Grace slept most of the way and we got to my mom and Mike's by 10:30. We were able to wake up on the 26th and have another Christmas Day. By this point, Grace had perfected the art of opening presents as you'll see below! We had a great day, relaxing, eating, playing. It was perfect!

Daisy got a new bed for Grandma and Grandpa Applebee's house. Grace immediately claimed it!

Mid-present opening Grace decided it would be fun to run back and forth between my lap and Grandpa Applebee. She was SO giggly!

After breakfast, Grace had spilled all over her shirt. And if we don't have a shirt on, we have to have a hat on!