Christmas on the Farm

I haven't been able to go to Kansas for Christmas in years. That's not intentional by any means. It's just hard to fit the trip in when we have multiple families to celebrate with. But I was excited to be able to go this year. So the weekend before Christmas, we packed up and headed north for the farm.

 Mixels are Asher's latest obsession, but they have lots of pieces, so we had to leave the most valued ones behind. He had me take a picture with this one in case he got lonely for it while we were gone. 

 We arrived to a great surprise. SNOW! 

 It was pretty warm, so Asher braved it without gloves for a bit. That is, until his fingers were frozen. Then he agreed to put on some gloves. 

 It was the perfect kind of snow for making snowballs and building snowmen.

 The kids could have stayed out FOREVER, so I relieved Zach after a bit. 

 The farm is a simple place that's so full of beauty. 

 Does it get any cuter than this?! 

 We went to Mass early the next morning. While we were eating breakfast in the auditorium, Quinn and Asher found a drum that entertained them until it was time to leave.

 It was a long morning for Asher, as we waited for everyone to get there. So we spent our time shaking presents and guessing what was inside. Just like Krista and I used to do in the old days! 

 There were piles and piles of presents everywhere you looked! 

 And then it was finally time to open! 

 As you can see, it was a packed house. We fit so much better when we were small. 

 Asher guessed right. His presents did contain Mixels! 

 And Quinn loved her Minnie tea set. 

 It was a very Lego Christmas. Landon and Asher spent most of the afternoon putting them together until the Brock family had to leave. The rest of us stayed one more night and then headed out on Monday.

Quinn entertained us by imitating a bear while the guys packed up the car and Maegan and Greg talked farm life and Spanish lessons.

Each time we visit, it gets harder and harder to leave. It's so nice to be able to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa, and, unfortunately, I'm not able to go as often as I'd like. I appreciate the time we do have together, though, and all the memories we make over early morning breakfasts, walks to the mailbox, weenie roasts, games of Rummikub and watching VHS videos.