1st Christmas 2018 (St. Joe, MO)/Weekend

Before we headed to St. Joe Saturday...  we had Friday at home.  Well, at least the kids and I did.  Ryan and the guys went over to the last Iowa FB game... with a win, and some rain.  The kids and I hung out... and had a pretty good day.  We got out a little in the morning - did a few errands, and we put the kids' tree up in the basement... got that decorated, and that's about it.  It was a cold, rainy day - and honestly, I didn't want to be out shopping too much (since it was Black Friday).  So we stuck around home... decorated... played a few games, and watched a movie. 
Ryan got home around 5ish, which was nice... earlier than normal, so we decided to order pizza.  Unfortunately, our experience was not good - we tried a newer place in Waukee - Rosati's.  After almost a 2 hour wait, I cancelled our order, and we got Wendy's.  BLAH!!!  Totally bummed...  and annoyed!

Saturday:
Up and on the road about 8:30...  we originally make this trip an overnight-er, but there was predicted snow storm coming for MO and southern Iowa... and we made the right decision by just making this a day trip.  But Saturday in MO - the weather was beautiful - literally about 55 degrees, sunny... no coats, it was perfect.  We hung at Aunt Maagie's, which is a small place... so being able to go outside easily was perfect for the kids especially.  Everyone did pretty well... and we had a nice visit. 

The kiddos had their first Christmas of the year...  got some really nice 'needed' gifts, which was fun.  Jammies, a few small games and books.  Perfect. 

We were back on the road about 5ish...  driving in the dark stinks, but we made it... and the kids did pretty well good.  They got a little owly mid-way... 

So back to making the right decision - southern Iowa got hit hard with snow and blizzard type conditions late Saturday night/early Sunday.  So I'm so thankful we were smart and got home before that mess!!!

Sunday:
Church... and we stayed after and helped decorate for Christmas.  Everything looked super nice... and was a good couple hours. 

Then in the afternoon we worked on our house - we got the main Christmas tree up upstairs... along with all the other decor.  Everything looks super nice, and gives me a TEENY ounce of excitement for the holidays.  It just gets so overwhelming, and A LOT sometimes... that I just want to hide!!!  But the kids are looking forward to it (and Kayson especially), and I just need to be excited for them.  This honestly might be the last Christmas that Kayson 'believes'.  Scary... he'll be 10, and I'm shocked that he hasn't questioned more...  so we'll see!! 

Anyway, it was a nice day at home... SUPER cold and windy, so it was good to be home. 

Kids' basement tree.  So cute.

Snuggled in watching "The Christmas Chronicles"

with Aunt Maagie

See... no coats!!!

These kids!  They are getting so big!

Cora wearing the tree skirt!  ha.