Christmas 2013

We had a lovely time celebrating Christmas on the farm this year.  Although it goes without saying that Dad's presence was greatly missed by all, we were able to muster up a few smiles and giggles reminiscing about Christmases past with him.  Mom had the house decorated beautifully for the holidays and, of course, had a lot of yummy food all prepared as well.  Our family really enjoyed spending Christmas on the farm, even if the wind chill felt like -20 for a few days.  Happy 2014 from the Hauans!

Kiddos before Julia's Christmas program at our St. Louis church.

Opening presents at our place before heading to Iowa:

The Kair family (my first cousin on my Dad's side) came to visit over Christmas as well.  These kiddos had a ton of fun playing together!

Leila and Julia didn't get tired of being pulled in a blanket by Haune.

Picnics on the floor were also a hit.

"Great Aunt Jane keeps me entertained while I eat!"

"More!  More!  More!"

Dubberke cousins.

The girls wore my mom's baby rings for church on Christmas Eve.

Hauan family 2013.

"We love Grandma Sue!"

Opening presents Christmas Eve...

A Thomas blanket made with love by Grandma Sue.

"Thanks, Uncle Ryan and Aunt Abbie!!!"

"Thanks, Uncle Ryan and Aunt Abbie!!!"

Santa jammies on Christmas Eve.

 

We found my old ballet recital tutus--JACKPOT for this dress up queen!

We also found Grandpa Gene's old cowboy coat as well. 
He sure would have gotten a kick out of  this picture!

Our friends, the Faris', let the kids come over to see their sweet horses.  Thanks
for the fun time, Faris family!!!

Jim and Julia handing out treats.

Rob, Erica, and Baby Faye also stopped by for a visit.
Look at this cutie pie!  The kids loved on her for a bit.

We took a day trip to visit Great-Grandma Ramona (and
also took her to see the movie Frozen--for the 2nd time).  It was a lovely day.

Shovel sledding is the best!

Our longtime friend Gary took the kiddos on a
train ride at the local co-op--HE WAS THE HERO OF THE DAY!

"Thanks again, Gary!"

 

Pizza Party game is a big hit with these kids... needless to say, Mom and Janie
played a game or two with these kiddos.

We kept the tradition of cribbage going, though, a few less songs were whistled
without Dad there.

We came back to a huge snowstorm in St. Louis.  The kids had a ball playing in all
of the fresh powder.  Haune also was a party starter with the local Sem kids in
creating a mountain of snow they could jump into again and again and again....