Christmas part 3 - Council Bluffs

After a wonderful and relaxing 3+ days in Reinbeck, we headed west for Emma's first visit to Council Bluffs.  I have to admit I was a little nervous about this leg of the trip.  We were arriving mid-day on Monday and not planning to leave until Friday and there was going to be a houseful all week.  Occupants included my parents, the three of us, my younger brother Justin, my grandma Marge (known to Emma as GG - short for Great Grandma), my older brother, his wife and their daughters Aubrey (3) and Annie (1).  Yikes!  It was loud and hectic at times but so much fun to have the entire family back home.  I was reminded of the power of family and the holiday season -- the entire week was a blast.  It was so fun to play with Aubrey and Annie as well as catch up with Mom, Dad, Jon, Amy, Justin and Grandma.  Highlights include: present opening complete with a visit from Santa, an open house for all Council Bluffs friends to stop by and catch up with us as well as meet and greet Emma, celebrating Mom's 60th birthday, and a trip to the zoo with dad. 

 Hello GG.  Hello Emma.

 One of my father's many talents is wood working.  He made this oak rocking chair for Emma that she is going to grow into and love.

 This is the "Peek-a-boo" bear complete with singing and moving arms.  Emma dug it!!

 Needless to say, Santa was a huge hit!  Emma LOVED him.  Perhaps it was because he was dressed like her :)

 Justin helping to sustain Emma.

Thanks for the rocking chair, Grandpa :)

 

 From left to right: Grandma, Aubrey (3), Emma (6mo), Annie (16mo), Gramps

Happy birthday mom! Doesn't she look great?  I hope you're enjoying this blog on your new iPad. Oh, and for those of you who are curious about who made and decorated the cake...it was yours truly ;)

For those who don't know, Omaha has one of the top zoos in the country.  In fact, only the San Diego zoo has a higher annual attendance than the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha.  I grew up going to the this zoo on hot summer days and school field trips so I was very excited to take Emma while we were in town.  However, no one was more excited than Melissa when we rolled up to the giraffes!  The zoo may become a permanent agenda item on our trips home to Council Bluffs. 

Well, I think that wraps up our holiday adventures for 2011.  Christmas is always a special and sacred time but even more so we you can view all the magic and wonder through the eyes of an infant - for the first time.

From Minneapolis with love,

Jason, Melissa, and Emma