Iowa Xmas Decorations

I love returning home to Iowa for Christmas. There's just something about going "home" and being immersed in a loving family that completes the holiday for me. Some things have changed over the years. My Aunt Kim is the host now and invites everyone to her home. But the open arms of a great family is still there in abundance. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family, even if they are further away.


Aunt Kim's house was all decked out for Xmas. There was a big beautiful tree with presents piled below it. Cousin Allison helped Peter touch it a few times. I am proud to report that we only had to move a FEW ornaments higher up the tree!


Peter's favorite part was that on "Xmas eve" they had a train set up around the base of the tree. Cousin Michael showed Peter how to make it go around the track.


The train didn't want to work, even though quiet a few people tested it out. (Can you tell that Peter was the highlight of the evening?!?)


I think Peter liked it more "broken". He was able to take the train off-roading. He played with that train for hours!!! When he discovered that the engine would go "Whoo-whoo" if he pushed it fast enough he was enchanted. We spent the rest of the night leaping over him as he pushed it around the kitchen floor.


Another favorite zone was the Disney cottages. Both Aunt Kim and Great-Grandma Langmann have the same little Disney village. You push a button and all the Disney characters pop out of their houses singing carols.


Peter was fascinated by the little singing village. I think he liked Pluto the best, he kept waiting for him to pop out his door.


There wasn't room on the fireplace for all the stockings! I'm the oldest grandchild so I start off the big line of stockings and it ends with Peter. His stocking was overflowing every time we came into the house!


There was also a moving Tigger. Peter liked to go up and pet it. It was a great environment to begin celebrating our Xmas! More pictures coming soon....!