Christmas in Minnesota

A Minnesota Christmas!

Snow Angels

Sledding with Aunt Melissa, Dad and Savannah

We attempted ice skating...Colin was not a fan. He would have rather just watched. Matt and I did a lot better than we thought we would.

Colin got a Minnesota Wild hockey stick and puck, plus much more of course. This was much better than the full size one that Matt got him for Christmas. We had a wonderful time in Minnesota, like always. Colin didn't want to leave. We didn't get there on Christmas day like we had planned, there was a huge snow storm in the Omaha area on Christmas day, so we went to Minnesota on Saturday and the roads were just fine.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Hughes - All 26 of us were there!!!

The bike is still a little big for Colin, but he will grow in to it. Santa was really good to him this year.

Colin's train set has been the most entertaining so far.

Bathtub Song

AppleBottom Jeans, Boots with the fur

Winter Fun

Colin and Matt went out this morning to enjoy the snow. When I put Colin's overalls on him he said, "I'm like a farmer". He was fully bundled when Matt and I realized that he had underwear on, so I hope he didn't have any accidents. It would be a cold start to the season if he has an accident.

Colin and Savannah playing hide and seek!

Starting the Holiday Season

Just like last year, Colin was very excited about seeing Santa, but did not want to sit on his lap. After he was done crying, he did tell Santa what he wanted but Matt was holding him at this point. On the list so far is a bike and a basketball hoop. We are trying to potty train Colin right now, and we already have had to call Santa a couple of times to cancel his wish list because Colin wouldn't sit on the pot. So far today we have cleaned up "potty" in MANY places.

Matt and Colin after decorating the tree.

Colin had a chocolate doughnut yesterday...a lot of it is on his shirt.

Weekend Trip to Minnesota

The weekend was great! Friday morning we went to visit Grandma Steele at her school. It didn't take long for Colin to get some candy from Grandma - he had a lot fun there seeing all the big kids.

The whole clan went bowling Saturday night - Matt had a personal best...he was pretty proud.

Grandma and Grandpa Steele raked some leaves for everyone to enjoy!
Dad scaring Colin!

That is Adam's head that Colin is about to kick

Aunt Melissa joining in the fun

Matt, Anne, Colin, Adam, and Katie

Colin and Whitney hanging out together at the Summit Brewery tour. Colin and Whitney paid attention better than me, that is no surprise.

Our friend Mark Christiansen - the Iowa Hawkeyes lost, but Mark was still in good spirits!

Our Little Monkey

Matt and Colin, Pete and Whitney, Adam and Jace and Jaxson

Aunt Melissa's Visit

Colin got some new cowboy boots from Grandma and Grandpa Steele


Visiting the Chidren's Museum

Melissa, Colin and Matt

Matt and Melissa racing up seat lift.

We realized yesterday that Savannah turned 4 years old - so Matt created a "cake" for her and Colin was able to blow out the candles.

Dance Dance Dance

Colin loves to dance and sing. Here are a few of his latest moves.

Winter?

Saturday morning we woke up to about 2 inches of snow on the ground. Colin was really excited to go outside and play in it.

The cat usually stays outside, but we have let it in more lately because it was wounded by a barbwire fence we think. 20 stitches later and a Sunday trip to the vet...Nalo is doing better and had his first day out of the garage today (10 days in).

September, where did you go?

September was a crazy month for the Iowa Steele's. I was in the hospital for the majority of it dealing with my Crohn's disease. We are hoping that it is behind us now and we are looking forward to a healthy and enjoyable fall. Matt's parents came down to help us out with Colin and all the other daily chores which was MUCH appreciated. Colin had so much fun and continues to talk about their time together. They visited the Durham Western Heritage Museum (where our wedding reception was), went to the tractor supply store, and I believe made a few trips to Home Depot and Target. Matt and I are so lucky to have such supportive family's.

Baptism for Bradley

This morning we had Baby Bradley's baptism. Bradley is the newest addition to the Hughes Clan. David and Jennifer finally had their little boy after 3 girls. Matt and I are honored and excited to be Bradley's Godparents.

Colin enjoys Grandma and Grandpa Hughes' garden. He has had a lot of watermelon and has been eating tomatoes like apples. It is usually one bite of tomato then on to the next one!