Last Day in Dubuque

Thursday January 3rd was our last full day to spend in Iowa.  We were lucky enough to get to spend the entire day with Cooper!  His Mama let him stay home from daycare to play with us!

That afternoon Leah got to be the guest of honor at Aunt Rachael's Jazzercise class that she was teaching.  Leah had a blast and kept up with Rachael for the entire hour long class.  You would have thought she was a regular!  She even went on stage with her for a couple of songs.  Aunt Rachael was a sweetheart and did some of Leah's very favorite songs!  Leah did have a more "workout friendly" outfit in the suitcase, but she insisted on wearing her very favorite outfit for the occasion!

Friday January 4th we were off to Chicago to catch our flight home!  A very special thank you to Aunt Rachael and Uncle Tommy for letting us stay at their house all week!  They recently had their basement finished, and it is beautiful.  It became our own little "apartment" for the week!

New Years Eve, Day & The Day After

Still trying to catch up.....

We decided to stay in for New Years Eve and celebrate with all of the family at Grammy and Grandpoo's house.  Luke grilled beef tenderloins, Grammy broiled lobster, made twice baked potatoes and the Pioneer Woman's Burgundy Mushrooms (yumm), Tommy made salad and Aunt Kristi brought super festive cake pops that she turned into a beautiful centerpiece!  It was a very laid back evening spent with the family!

Leah and Grandpoo snuggled on the couch playing the iPad before dinner!

We celebrated Christmas with everyone on New Years Day, right before Grandpa's birthday.  It was a fantastic Christmas celebration and the kids were really loved on!

  (This is an AWFUL picture of Lane, but it's the only one I got with his pile!)

Lane had no interest in opening his own presents but wanted to help Cooper open his!

New Year's Day was Grandpoo's 69th birthday.  Grammy and Grandpoo host an open house every year on New Year's Day for the occasion.  As is tradition with Leah for all birthdays we celebrate here at home, Rachael and I took her to Target and let her pick out things for Grandpoo's birthday party to surprise him with.  My girl also wanted a piñata so by golly, we bought a piñata!

Aunt Kristi brought Leah a princess Memory game.  She loved it, and the big kids were sweet enough to play with her!

Just some pictures from the party!

Leah and Taylor sang Happy Birthday to Grandpoo!

Pinata time!  Lane enjoyed watching all the madness with Daddy's Uncle Tom.  We had to get creative with where to "hang" it since the ground was covered in snow.

On Wednesday (Jan. 2nd), Rachael, Grammy, the kids and I met Erica and Taylor at the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.  It was so much fun!  After the museum we all went out for burgers at one of my favorite Dubuque restaurants, Mining Company.

And here's how we ended our day!

Show and Tell: M, N, O, P, Q & R

M:  Merry Okee Microphone (January 11th)

N:  Nothing (January 18th)

When we were discussing what she should take that week at dinner one night, I jokingly said "Nothing!!".  Leah LOVED the idea and insisted that that was what she was taking!  She said when it was time for show and tell she went to her backpack along with everyone else and pretended to get something out.  She then sat quietly back in the circle pretending to have something in her hands and when it was her turn, she walked to the front of the class, said the required lines "Boys and girls I have something to share.....NOTHING".....and threw open her hands!  I love this little girl so much!

O:  Orange Juice (January 25th)

Daddy picked out her outfit and did her hair today!  She was very proud of her ponytail!

P:  Pig (February 1st)

Q:  Quacking Ducks (February 8th)

R:  Rock Star Phone (February 22nd)

This was a silly McDonalds prize.  I don't even know if this is what it's called, but this is what Leah called it and she really wanted to take it (since I wouldn't let her take her much-too-large and much-too-fragile Hello Kitty radio.)

Leah's Valentines

I forgot to post these pics yesterday.....

Leah gave her teachers Valentines popcorn from our favorite local popcorn store.

And she passed out bubbles to all of her friends.