Peterson Christmas

On our way to Gma Jan's, we stopped in Oak Creek to see our old house, school, neighborhood, and the West family.

 It was really great to catch up with Stephanie, Nate, Elizabeth, Danielle, Marissa, and Isaac! We talked and played like no time had passed.

Then at Gma Jan's they got right to playing and crafting with cousins Kinsey & Kayla.

Loop bracelets! Kayla was a good sorter.

dress up/silly time

 Abby, Aubrey, Lydia, Will

Catching up on Cousin Time!

Abby, Kinsey, Emily, Lydia, Hailey, Kayla

 Lydia absolutely loves having older cousins, Emily and Hailey around!

Girls Trip to Claire's

Being archaeologists with the kit Abby received.

 Abby and I got a little shopping date in LeClaire. She loved running up to all the speakers to listen to the music!

Christmas Road Trip

 Stopped in Dyersburg, TN at the hotel with the most southern hospitality we've ever experienced at a hotel. 8 hours first day, 10 hours the next. The girls spent many hours coloring.

 When we were close to St Louis, we started to notice SNOW! 

You know you no longer live in Wisconsin if you immediately pull over at the sight of snow to make a miniature snowman.

 We celebrated with the Pulley's at Roland & Kathy's house.

 We got to see Gerry & Joanne too!

 Then we were anxious to drive up and meet Naomi!

Since the Halloween snow storm had long ago melted, we had to get our snow fix at the Rock Ski/Snow Park. It was fun to link tubes together and slide down!

On Christmas Eve, Tom & Cindy had us all over!

Levi, Cindy, Greg, Ben, Matt, Sam, John, Matt
Stacy, Laura, Tom Laura, Sarah, Julie
Violet, Aaliyah, Lydia, Quincy, Abby

for dinner 

games

 white elephant gift exchange,

 and my godparents gave us 3 "blessed" bracelets. Love them!

Mom hosted us all for Christmas Day after church.

The cousins enjoyed playing all together!

December & Class Parties

 We started off December with the return of Magic, our elf and his clever letter.

 Love how our tree fits in our living room.

We had a little fun with Magic this year.

 We got a new dog, a poodle, compliments of PetSmart Grooming Services.

 Abby was pleased with what St Nick brought (socks, wand toy, hand lotion, pencil case, pistachios, orange, candy cane)

We built a gingerbread train and house. 

We visited TJ's Christmas Lights! In Texas, you can get out of your car and sit in lawn chairs and enjoy the show! 

 I got to help out with Abby's class party. They decorated bags, made a treat mix, 

 and got in groups to turn one of their friends into a Christmas Tree!

 Lydia was the tree and held the star so well in her class.

Finally, my moms group had a fun reveal party for our Mystery Moms/Secret Santa.

San Antonio/Thanksgiving in Austin

 We had the whole week of Thanksgiving off, so we traveled to did 2 nights in San Antonio and 2 nights in Austin with Heather & Mark (our new closest relatives)

 We walked the river walk. Christmas lights were set up, but not lit until after we left.

 Abigail tends to be comfortable in this position.

 Cool mosaics.

 We ate at the Mexican restaurant with the colorful umbrellas.

 Behind us was the stage where Miss Congeniality was filmed.

 Remember the Alamo! We went inside, walked the grounds, and watched the history video. The site is currently undergoing a big renovation for visitors.

 Went back to river walk after dinner. It was just 2 blocks from our hotel.
We went to see Frozen 2 in the morning before going to the zoo.

 The San Antonio Zoo was a lot of fun.

Great underwater view of the hippos!

 Cool rhino sculpture

 Measuring up.

It was pretty warm walking around, but there was a nice open area (for toddlers mostly) for us to rest. There were neat animal lights. We had dinner and stayed for the Zoo Lights with S'mores too!

 Before heading over to Austin, we stopped at the Historic Market Square. Each of the girls found something special to buy (a painted ceramic light switch cover and teeny ceramic alligator). And we got street Churros!

Heath & Mark hosted us for Thanksgiving. The day before, we explored the Austin Main Library-amazing! The McCormicks took us to a great shrimp boil place and a little hike and delicious Thanksgiving meal. They were so welcoming and kind to have us at their place!