An Engagement, Sickmas, and Cute Cousins!

After the preschool party, we scrambled around the house getting the tree down, eating some lunch, and loading up the car.  We were able to get out of town Friday afternoon which worked out great.  It was 75 degrees when we left, but that didn't last long.  We drove about 4 1/2 hours without stopping and made it to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for dinner and a night in a hotel.  Another 5ish hours (including a stop for lunch) Saturday and we made it to RF pretty painlessly.  The girls slept a combined total of one hour over the two days, but had lots to keep them busy and did a really good job.  Steve and I are not good night drivers and it's no secret the girls aren't the best road trippers, so breaking up the drive over two days worked well for us and was still loads cheaper than four plane tickets.

From Winter 2013-14

That's Ada's "Falalalala" face!

We arrived to this exciting news:

From Winter 2013-14

Yay!  Congrats Sam and Logan!  We couldn't be happier for you!

On Sunday we all got to go to the Anton Christmas this year.  So fun to see everyone!  The girls got out in the Wisconsin snow just a bit because of the cold, but had lots of fun and attention from Gaga, Grandpa, Auntie Sam, and Logan.  We planned to celebrate and open presents on Christmas Eve when (Great) Grandma Ruth and Dan came over.  

From Winter 2013-14

The girls were spoiled and we had our fill of yummy food, as always.  Thankfully we had our fun on Christmas Eve, because "real Christmas" (as Ruby had been referring to it) turned out to be Sickmas (hence the lack of pictures).  Throughout the night, one-by-one we got the flu.  Luckily it was short lived for the girls and Gaga somehow stayed healthy until we were gone so she took care of everyone.  Thank you Gaga!  Sorry for spreading the yuck.

We did feel good enough to head to Winona on the 26th, praying we wouldn't be bringing germs with us!  Ada was leary of the dogs, but she and Ruby enjoyed lots more attention from Gaga and Grandpa.  There was sledding, visit to Great Grandma Nelson, and a donut run to Daddy's favorite bakery.

From Winter 2013-14

From Winter 2013-14

I made the girls put on their Christmas jams and take some pics by Gaga Nancy's tree since I didn't make it out of bed Christmas morning (and I doubt the girls were still in their Christmas pj's by morning if you catch my drift...)

From Winter 2013-14

From Winter 2013-14

Gaga Nancy and I took Ruby to see Frozen.  It was  her first movie theatre experience and she loved it. She wasn't thrilled with the seat that she could barely keep open, but once she figured it out she loved her snacks, the previews, and the movie.  It was a great movie for her first show!

From Winter 2013-14

From Winter 2013-14

We were all so excited to see Baby Charlie and Auntie Jen on Saturday.  Ada usually loves babies, but I think she was a bit jealous of Charlie.  Charlotte is an absolute doll, fearlessly climbing everywhere with the cutest growls!  Can't believe she can already stand and take some steps (with one of her presents)!

From Winter 2013-14

From Winter 2013-14

So thankful we got this picture of the three in their Christmas dresses.  How fun to have three girls so close together!

From Winter 2013-14

We opened presents on Sunday after Christmas.  The girls (and all of us) were spoiled again and Charlie loved the paper!!

From Winter 2013-14

I love that picture- an action shot of Charley playing with the paper!

We headed home on New Years Eve, stopping at the same hotel since it worked out so well on the way up.  We started 2014 off with a swim in the pool before heading back to STL.  It was a nice 45 degrees when we arrived home but unfortunately the cold and snow was not far behind us!