VG Christmas at Thanksgiving

Because of new babies coming and a possible trip, we decided to have our Van Grouw Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. We drove up Friday and stayed through Sunday.

Right away, we stopped by the Wynias and of course started hanging out and doing cheers - 

we were watching the Chiefs game.

The boys were playing a little poker

That evening we met up in Sioux Center to watch Moana 2

After the movie, we went to the Heritage Village to grab hot cocoa and walk through the lights - 

pretty but very cold! 

The group in a packed theatre!

Saturday morning was hanging out at Grandma's and playing with cousins

That afternoon/evening we had our party - but first, PICTURES!

These girls sang and played a Christmas song for us!

Grandpa reading a Christmas book to the grandkids.

Magna tiles are ALWAYS a hit!

Sunday afternoon we gathered for stocking gifts - ornaments!

There was snow along the road, but the roads were clear and fine, but Monday morning we woke up to several inches of snow as our first snow that stuck this year! So, it really did feel like Christmas!

 

Painting with Lights

On Saturday evening, our little town of Oskaloosa had a Painting with Lights ceremony where the City Band played Christmas songs, they turned on the lights, had snacks, met Santa, and hand horse-drawn carriage rides. It really feels like a Hallmark movie!

Avery and I ordered Pizza Ranch to-go, brought our chairs and blanket and ate while we listened to the City Band play Christmas songs. Steve and Aubrey were at a basketball tournament in Marshalltown.

We got hot cocoa, cookies and popcorn, while we were waiting in the carriage line.

 

Little Eagles - Aubrey

This year the 7th and 8th graders from PC, Sully, Peoria and Osky Christian all formed one AAU basketball team for the Little Eagles. This was the first tournament that Aubrey was able to play in this year and she was thrilled that they got 1st and won all 4 games. Steve is also helping Brent Geetings coach. It was a long day in Marshalltown, but Aubrey was proud to get her 1st AAU gold medal...ever!

 

Thanksflipping Performance

On Saturday, Avery had her Thanksflipping performance at Transform Academy.

She did her cheer performance a couple times, and went through her tumbling rotations. She really is getting comfortable with her round-off back handspring and now working on her back-tucks!