there's no place like home for the holidays

there really is no place like home for the holidays! we were very blessed with good travelling weather, considering the storm that rolled through the midwest the week of Christmas! it was great to catch up with some friends and spend quality time with family. although much too short, we are thankful for the time we had.

we started off our trip in minnesota...



and then made it down to iowa, right before minnesota got pounded with lots and lots of snow!


this was our "sick" picture. the plan was to go to michigan for Christmas day, but ben came down with pneumonia so it was an iowa Christmas. dad, i think you need to work a little bit on your sick pose. :)


and the annual funny picture!


and speaking of being home for the holidays, i just got a call from matt. he survived his canadian dogsledding adventure! they are going to hit the road tonight and make it back by tomorrow morning. :) i've had many requests for him to post pictures, so i'll have him blog as soon as he can. i hope everyone has a great start to the new year!