Christmas in the City

As we get ready to head back to Kansas for the holidays (which we are all very very excited for) we thought we would do some Christmas things here before to get us in the spirit.

Of course the house got decorated with the trees, garland, music boxes, lights up outside and the favorite of the year the snowballs (we have daily snowball fights when dad gets home from work).  We got the new ornaments for the kids on their tree.  I have loved decorating a new house.  It took me a little while to find everything a home, but we did and I think it looked nice.  My favorite decoration had to be my new mantle decorations which were a Pinterest project I had been wanting to do.  After a few minor fixes, I think it turned out GREAT!

Usually we get to drive through the parks at home and see the lights.  I wanted to see what we could find up here.  I was told about Christmas in the Park in Lees Summit.  It did not disappoint, e once we figured out how to get in.  My husband was very patient with me trying to figure it out finally having to resort to going into Walgreens and asking.  Lukas had a plan of just driving through the fence.  He is quite the little problem solver.  We enjoyed an evening of frosting and decorating cookies.  I think eating them is the best part though.

This week we finally got down to Union Station and Crown Center to check it out.  Erin and I are probably looked at poorly because we didn't wait in the line to see Santa.  The boys didn't notice and we loved looking at everything else.  Hopefully Santa will make an appearance at the Strube Christmas (hint, hint) again this year and we can get our yearly picture of the boys screaming with the man in the big red suit.  Back to Union Station, the model train set up they do is really neat, especially to our boys that love trains.  They are very detailed in decorating it and making things special for Christmas.  We went and walked around Crown Center and saw the lights and the toys the kids can climb on.  It was a great evening with nice weather to enjoy.

Last night we had the boys open their gifts from Erin and me.  We wanted them to be able to play with them a couple of days before we head back for the holidays.  Lawson got a tent and Lukas got a big train set.  Both of them seemed to love the gifts which ended our Christmas here perfectly.

Now for the tough part, getting everything packed and loaded.  It is easier with the mini van though :)

Thanksgiving in the South

Thanksgiving is always a chance to sit down and think about how blessed we are in life and give thanks for it.  This year was no exception.  I have amazing families, both mine and my in-laws, great friends (even if not living close anymore), two adorable and loving boys, and a husband that has been my rock.  I thank God everyday for everything he has given me.

This year for Thanksgiving we did something a little different.  We took a family trip to Oxford, Mississippi to visit  Evin, Kayla and their family.  I was a little nervous of the boys traveling but they did really well.  If we weren't fighting colds for the past week things would have been great.  We missed seeing everyone else, but with Christmas right around the corner it won't be long before we are back in Kansas for awhile

While in Mississippi we did a lot of just hanging out.  Maddox entertained Lukas with all of his toys and Lukas left calling him his best friend.  Emmy and Elsa were a little unsure of Lawson, but he just went about his business playing with their toys and bothering the older boys.  Kayla and I got to do a little shopping on the square Friday morning, then the guys took Maddox and Lukas to see "Frozen".  Apparently it was great and we have had the music playing at our house all week.  Evin and Kayla made a delicious Thanksgiving meal and we even found a pecan pie to make Erin happy.  It was a great couple of days and we look forward to seeing them all again in a few short weeks!

Ready for the trip

Snack time.... Lawson's favorite time

Kayla with Emmy and Elsa

Maddox showing us how he climbs the wall in the back yard.

So of course Lukas had to follow

Hanging out by the fire watching the turkey cook

Erin got to play some football

My boys

On our trek back home we got some exciting news from Elisha, Erin's sister.  She and Josh got engaged and couldn't be happier!  Loghan is excited as well.  We couldn't be happier for all of them.  Let the planning begin :)