Despite the Christmas blizzard, both Paul and I were able to make it back to Sibley. We drove separately as Paul had to be back to work earlier than I wanted to head back, but we both arrived Tuesday night, the 22nd. I made it in time to watch my dad's basketball team win an awesome and intense game!
We spent Christmas Eve with most of Paul's family. Jon wasn't able to make it back because of the weather, but we had him on Skype a couple of times throughout the day. Unfortunately, I don't have many pictures from my camera but Sydney opening her gifts was definitely a highlight! When she opened a gift she had to hold it up to the computer screen to show her daddy... so cute!
The only other pictures (on my camera) captured from our time spent with Paul's family was of the "Polar Plunge." I'm not sure how it came about, but Paul and Joel decided it would be fun to play in the snow. Since everything is always a competition with them, they decided to run out in the snow with only their shorts and t-shirts. They're crazy... but funny to watch!
We spent Christmas Day with my family.
Katie, Kenny, and Hattie
We played a game called Compatibility. Paul and I were the losers... :(
Paul and I have yet to send out a Christmas card/picture (maybe someday!) but here is the picture my mom and dad sent out of the Hartzell family. Merry Christmas!
After Paul returned to Iowa City, I stayed for a few more days. We were able to get lots of my mom's side of the family together at Grandpa and Grandma's house. Even though the house wasn't nearly as full, we were still able to get a picture with some of the grandkids and great grandkids.
I traveled back to Iowa City on Dec. 31st just in time to celebrate our 5 year anniversary! We went out to eat at Joseph's in downtown Iowa City.
On Saturday, Jan. 2nd we were able to make a trip to Pella to visit our good friends Kyle and Katie Van Arendonk and their 5 month old daughter Anika who were visiting from Baltimore. It was so nice to see them and spend a few hours with them!
We hope you were able to enjoy a wonderful time with family and friends, celebrating the reason for the season! Happy 2010!
