Christmas in Winnipeg

So Christmas has been really great so far and we aren't done yet!
We have made it to Winnipeg and back, where we had such a good time. The weather was awesome (if you like snow, that is, and we do:) and the kids did really well together.

Here Bennett is "holding" Carver, Brian and Bev's new little one.


Here is Bennett on his first ever sleigh ride! We were afraid he wasn't going to like it, since in Iowa he wimpered and cried whenever snow touched his boot. However, in front of his cousins, he was tough and actually seemed to really like it!


Emily, Bennett and Noah were all riding the tobaggan together. It seems Bennett's cousins are a little more experienced with the snow, because Bennett kept dragging his boots and the snow would just pile up on him.


Here are the 3 little monkeys! After all the presents were opened, Grandma gave them all a bath and were dressed in new pj's.


This is our tree and Bennett was so proud to pose by it the other day.


Now we are packing again as we are flying out to Washington VERY early tomorrow morning. We got a nice amount of snow last night and it is so beautiful outside with the sun shining. Bennett is ready to get spoiled by another set of grandparents.
Happy New Year to you all,
Dale, Janelle & Bennett

December travels

So here we are, less than a week away from Christmas already! We are leaving tomorrow afternoon to drive to Winnipeg for our "vanLeeuwen" Christmas. This should be interesting. The kids are older this year and I think the might really get into it. Should be fun. Hopefully not too cold.
We are only staying for a couple of days and then heading back to Iowa to celebrate Christmas. We don't have any plans, although the neighbours stopped by tonight to invite us to a turkey dinner on Christmas day. I thought that sounded pretty good.
On the 27th we are flying out very early in the morning to head to our "Swager" Christmas. All the kids are planning on being in Sunnyside and that should make a full house by my calculations. Bennett will not be short on attention, that is for sure!
I don't know why we are squeezing so much into such a short period of time, call us crazy.
See you in the new year!
The Swagers,
Dale, Janelle & Bennett