Howe Two: New Year's In Des Moines

We ended the year with a few days in Des Moines for a Birnbaum family gathering. Highlights in pics...

Adrienne wearing my Grammy's apron after helping in the kitchen

Grandad had it in his mind that he was going to do teriyaki for everyone--30 lbs of it to be exact. This required a pretty elaborate marinating station outdoors to get it all setup.

Bryce is full of imagination, and you'd better play along with his schemes. Casting a spell on Grammy.

Found someone hiding out for a nap.

The grillmaster near his makeshift shelter to protect himself from the wind while grilling for three straight hours.

The best we could get of the 5 grandkids in their jammies.

Jillian LOVED reading to James. Actually, she loved doing anything with James.

Big girl got her own hat like Mom's.

Baby in a gift bag.

Barbie heaven

Friday night the 6 of us stayed up late having lots of laughs as we played our new (and possibly favorite) game--Codenames.

On Saturday morning, we loaded up and went to Hurt's Donut. Grandad was excited to take the grandkids to the new place and it did not disappoint. Jillian and Jack watching donuts being made.

Just a few beauties hanging out.

The dozen we chose. They really were as good as they looked.

We went to Jordan Creek for a bit of shopping and walking after Hurts. Jillian was so excited to get to push James in the stroller.

Saturday afternoon brought some big time craft fun for the kids. Grammy and Grandad had them decorate bird houses to hang in their yard.

Grandad and Uncle D hanging the masterpieces.

Some NYE games of Trouble

James and Jillian love on New Year's morning.

Sweet snuggles with Grammy and A

This pic of James holding Grandad's phone makes me giggle.

Since the girls are so into Barbies, Grammy got her Barbie out to show them. She has the original Barbie and Ken. I always loved looking at them when I was a kid.