New Years (Almost) Trip up North

Well, the morning after my parents left we threw our stuff together and hit the road to the cottage to see everyone, especially the Chicago clan who wasn't here for Christmas. It wasn't our smoothest of trips. Our regular schedules were thown by the wayside in favor of fun over the holidays and it caught up to us all on this trip. Glad we went but after two less than restful nights (with all five of us in one room) we came home on New Years Eve day and missed the party. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Iris on the way up North with Gustafer, Stripey and watching Dora - no nap during the 3 hour plus car ride either way, of course :(

Video of Iris playing hide and seek with the cousins in our room. She decided the basketball net looked like a fireman's hat and made whoever was it wear it. I came back when I heard the commotion and just missed Iris pouring water on Jack's back - that's what Iris thought was so funny at the beginning of the video. This was the first time Iris actually did the seeking too. She would count to five and yell "ready or not here I come". This game went on for well over an hour - those kids are pretty patient. She had a blast with them as always.

The lake was frozen over so out we ventured:

Farther out the water must have been calm when it froze because it was smooth and you could see clear to the bottom. Here's Jeff on the tundra:

The fam, minus Iris who was actually napping:

A snowball fight ensued and no one was safe, oh except for me as I was wearing a baby shield.

Allison
Peeking from the sidelines:

Martha's festive snowman to ring in the new year - doesn't he look fun!