When we left Utah, we gave away our tree knowing it wouldn't fit in our new home. A beautiful tree is something that makes Christmas for me, so I felt so seen and loved by the Lord when I happened upon this perfect tree at the thrift store for $22. It is perfect!
From the moment we arrived in West Branch, we've heard about their magical Christmas festival called Christmas Past. It did not disappoint. A beautiful handbell concert, roast your own smores and hotdogs on Main Street, fresh fried doughnuts, historic blacksmith demonstrations, horse drawn carriage rides, Santa, and more. It felt like something straight from a Halmark movie! The most magical part was the snow that fell softly throughout the night.
Of course there were ward parties and concerts...
We finished school for the season a few days before Christmas Eve. To get us out of the house we headed to one of the museums at University of Iowa. To make it more fun for the older kids, we did a Christmas photo scavenger hunt. They had to take pictures of several Christmas themed things. It ended up being a blast!
On Christmas Eve, we had the most delicious dinner with the Jones family in our ward. Annie Jones and Michael both love to cook. Between what she cooked and what Michael made, we had the most fancy and delicious meal!
Annie set a fancy table that made it even more perfect!
After dinner the kids put on a Nativity!
Once we were home, we prepped for Santa to come then all the kids slept in the boys room in a fort.
Santa came, and Christmas Day was magical. It was Lionel's first Christmas and everyone was excited to see him taking in the sights and sounds.
A sister in the ward joined us for Christmas brunch and games, then we FaceTimed with Grandparents.
For the rest of Christmas break, we enjoyed the slow days with everyone home. We ate good food, played Legos and games, and just enjoyed being together. While it's never easy to be far from grandparents and cousins, it does create a different space for just our family.
Of course the best part of Christmas is celebrating our Savior and His birth. Walter was old enough to really understand the Nativity story this year. He loved talking about the angels and shouting the news of Christ's birth.
From the moment we arrived in West Branch, we've heard about their magical Christmas festival called Christmas Past. It did not disappoint. A beautiful handbell concert, roast your own smores and hotdogs on Main Street, fresh fried doughnuts, historic blacksmith demonstrations, horse drawn carriage rides, Santa, and more. It felt like something straight from a Halmark movie! The most magical part was the snow that fell softly throughout the night.
... but between those we took it slow, we ate yummy meals, we talked about our Savior, sang hymns of praise, and felt His love wash over us.
On Christmas Eve, we had the most delicious dinner with the Jones family in our ward. Annie Jones and Michael both love to cook. Between what she cooked and what Michael made, we had the most fancy and delicious meal!
Annie set a fancy table that made it even more perfect!
Of course the best part of Christmas is celebrating our Savior and His birth. Walter was old enough to really understand the Nativity story this year. He loved talking about the angels and shouting the news of Christ's birth.
Come oh come and kneel before HimCome oh come let us adore HimCome oh come and kneel before the little baby!
