We returned yesterday from a wonderful Christmas week in northwest Iowa. We stayed with my parents on their farm, and enjoyed relaxing and catching up with family.
We broke up the 8 hour drive on the way there and stayed at Stoney Creek Inn in LaCrosse, WI. We were pleasantly surprised by the lodge like accommodations. We'd highly recommend it and will likely be staying there again.
We got to the farm on Wednesday afternoon, and of course, my dad was busy at work. So we headed down to his office to say hello!
Joey and Madison had already gotten there!
And then Grandma came home from work and got to see Baylen too!
Uncle Jason and Baylen.
The next day Baylen got to meet my Grandpa and Grandma Kiel!
He loved hanging out with Grandpa in his chair.
So precious.
And of course Grandpa Kiel got Baylen to smile a lot!
Such a happy boy.
And Grandma Kiel knew just how to hold him to settle him down.
Next we went over to Grandma Jodi's house and she got to meet Baylen! We were greeted with soda and her famous bridge mix!
Thursday night (December 22) was our 4th wedding anniversary. My parents generously offered to babysit so we could go on a date!
It was our first date since Baylen was born!
We went to Archie's Wayside in LeMars, IA. I enjoyed a delicious cocktail.
They are known for their steaks, so we couldn't resist. Here's Jake as he was working his way through his porterhouse.
And since we were in the Ice Cream Capital of the World, we stopped at the Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor for dessert.
LOVE their peppermint stick ice cream and homemade waffle cones.
I woke up to this beautiful sunrise one morning.
Baylen waking up for the day.
On Friday I had the pleasure of getting together with my high school friends.
This is Allison, with her two kids, Kaylee and Luke.
Here's Sarah meeting Baylen.
Christa holding Luke. Luke and Baylen were born exactly one month apart!
Jenny and Me.
Beks and Me.
The three with kids. :)
Baylen and Grandma playing.
My city slicker husband turned farmer for a day.
Minka loved all the extra space to run and exercise.
Baylen and Jason spent a lot of time together.
They are buds.
My cousin Ali and Baylen.
All the kids at the Hofmeyer book exchange.
Grandma and Baylen.
I love my mom.
Baylen and Madison hanging out at our immediate family's gift opening.
Baylen was very spoiled by everybody.
Jason and Ali picked out this little puppy for him. So funny.
Even the grand-dogs got gifts.
Mom and Dad opening up their calendar from Jason and Ali.
Dad posing with his new website that Joey and Madison gave him. It is awesome. Check out www.hofmeyerfeedlot.com
We all got new "puppies" as gifts as well. Hilarious.
My dad making Baylen smile. He just LOVES Grandpa!
Baylen meeting my Aunt Shawnee.
And fast asleep again. Grandpa is holding up a picture of him and his five brothers.
That's all for now! Hope you enjoyed the overwhelming amount of pictures.
Love,
Amber
