Looking for a Christmas tree at Oneota Slopes farm, run by our friends, the Johnsons.  It sure is a beautiful place to walk around and there are so many lovely trees to choose from.  That is NOT the one we chose, by the way!

That’s our tree. 🙂 Lily dragged it the whole way back.

New to our Christmas tree tradition this year: climbing and running on round bales.

We made treats for the little animals this year. We put peanut butter and bird seed on pieces of bark and checked on them everyday. The white stuff is flour so that we could see footprints (since we didn’t have snow).  The food didn’t last long and there were lots of interesting tracks!

We went to Lincoln, NE for several days before Christmas. One afternoon, we took a hike at Pioneer’s Park Nature Center and spent time watching the birds.

We also acted like birds! Turkey Vultures, to be exact.

My mom and I made kolaches for Christmas morning (and every other morning during our stay!).  They are the best!

Grandpa Bruce brushing Lily’s hair on Christmas Eve. My sister Mikaela took the girls to the Children’s Museum, hence the face paint. It came off before church. 🙂

Christmas Eve!  It was Aliyah’s first Christmas.  The girls love their new cousin!

On to New Hampton, IA where we got to spend time with Jon’s family. We frosted sugar cookies one afternoon – a favorite tradition.

The girls and Jon played daily ice hockey games. This was the first day at the pond – making sure it was frozen enough!  I was the only one who didn’t participate – I didn’t want to re-injure my arm!

And yet another favorite thing to do with the cousins – play games!  The girls love being with their cousins, even if they are just watching them play games.  They are getting old enough to play a few, too.

Merry Christmas!