My visit with Karsen (and Jess, Scott and Payton)

Picture 2:

While visiting I crocheted a little cap for Karsen - I think she really likes it.

Picture 1:

No, we weren't playing hide-and-seek. This is how my neice likes to sleep. . . with her arms raised and her face covered. Tooooo cute. Of course, a little disconcerting to a novice aunt who is paranoid she can't breathe.

Picture 4:

Payton and Karsen. Future best buds. Karsen is growing to appreciate Payton's kisses. For now: top of head = okay. face = not okay(i.e. screams like a banshee)

Picture 3:

Snuggled up and loved.

Winter Storm Adventure

Hello from the midwest!
We've been having some great winter weather here in Iowa this weekend. As you know, I spent the week with my sister. On Saturday morning my mom and I decided to head back to the QC a day early to miss the ice/snow storm that was predicted. Unfortunately, we didn't leave early enough! We got about 60 miles down the road and had to pull off the interstate because there was too much ice and high winds.

We pulled into the booming metropolis of Belle Plains (or perhaps you might be more familiar with her neighboring 'town' of What Cheer) which consists of one hotel, one restaurant and two gas stations. We stocked up on snacks at the gas station, moved all of our belongings into a hotel room and prepared ourselves for a long uneventfull day/evening. Within the hour the hotel lost power - but the manager assured us they had a large generator that would keep the whole place powered. however, because the storm was expected to last a couple of days they wanted to conserve fuel and so did not turn it on until it got dark. It managed to run sporadically for 5-6 hrs and then was shut off/broke down(?) again. This did not spoil our fun though, nor those who stocked up on snacks AND cases of bud lite!

We were blessed with safety (we saw over 30 accidents along the 150-mile stretch), warmth (over 100,000 Iowans lost power) and food (the restaurant and gas stations closed when they lost power). We were blessed and I thank God for that. And the Lord knows of my love for adventure - He blessed us with safety and an adventure in one!

Here are some pictures of the ice - the day after the storm. Thankfully, the storm passed MUCH quicker than expected and we were able to continue our trip home the next morning. Enjoy! I hope that you and your families fared well through this storm as well.

I'm an aunt!

Here are pictures of the newest member to my family. Karsen was born Feb. 3rd to my sister Jessica and her hubby Scott. Isn't she adorable?! I'm very excited to spend this coming week with them in Iowa and will be sure to have more pictures soon.

Maybe it's just because I'm an absent aunt, but I have a particular affinity for the pictures where she is mad - check out her perfect little grumpy face! My sister assures me that she's a happy 'lil gal most of the time though.