We got to Grandma and Grandpa Smith Saturday morning. We hung out there for the day and went to our Aunt and Uncles house for "Smithmika". Chloe got to meet a bunch of family and get lots of loving. Then we went back home to open gifts from Grandma and Grandpa. We had a lot of fun doing that.

On Sunday the Uncles and cousins went back home and we just relaxed and watched football. Then the Petersen's came over and got to meet Chloe as well. I look forward to Maddie and Chloe being old enough to play together. That day will probably come too soon.

We headed out for the big drive back to Denver on Monday morning. With a packed truck and love filled hearts we made our way out of IA, through NE and finally back to CO.

We had such great traveling weather and love from our families, we couldn't ask for a better holiday!

Chloe in her car seat on the 10 hour road trip home on Monday. It was also my 30th b-day and spending the day with my family was a gift in itself.

Jackie and her daughter, Maddie 10 months old. Maddie and Chloe are two cute redheads and if you count me, make that three ;)

I think she likes it!

Chloe playing with her new toy.

Grandpa Smith and Chloe rocking.

Uncle Todd and Chloe bonding.

Cousin Elly and Chloe having fun on the floor.

Great Grandma, Chloe and dad.

Great Grandma Smith and Chloe.

Cousins Elly, Emmy and Chloe.

Grandma Smith

Uncle Tyler and Chloe.

Our first Christmas and first road trip to IA with 7 week old Chloe started off on Tuesday after work. We drove half way to Kearney, NE and Chloe wasn't that pleased with the hotel but other than that it was an easy drive.

Then we made the rest of the trip to Sioux City on Wednesday. We got to Grandma and Grandpa Kneifl's but first stopped at the hospital to see Grandma at work. We spent the rest of the day sledding, eating home cooking, opening gifts, and going to church.

On Thursday we went sledding, played Wii, spent time at our cousins, Dave and Lauren visited and we enjoyed even more home cooking.

Friday we enjoyed our first annual Fattie competition, look at Tyler's blog for more details on that, played more Wii, our cousins and Great Grandma came over and enjoyed even more home cooking and smoked meat.

It means so much to us to be with our family over the holidays. That was the best present we received.

Saturday morning we headed out to Storm Lake to see the Smith's. Those pictures will be next.

Cousin Sue holding Chloe and Mom holding a diaper cake from Aunt Sherry and Uncle Merlin. They couldn't make it because of illness, we hope they are feeling better.

Grandpa is wearing the same outfit he wore on a home video 14 years ago, we had some laughs over this! And grandma has on some new stylish threads, no polka dot jumper for her:)

Cousins Travis and Sue came down from MN to spend time with the family and got to meet Chloe.

Family photo, (we like the color brown :)

Four generations photo

Great Grandma Comeau and Chloe loving each other.

Grandma Kneifl and Chloe bonding.

Cousin T-Man and Chloe rocking.

Mom and Chloe resting together.

Cousin Lauren, Chloe and Cousin Tyler.

Dad and Chloe relaxing.

Dad, Great Grandma, Chloe and Mom.

A 4 generation photo with Great Grandma Kneifl, Grandpa Kneifl, mom and Chloe.

Cousin Annie and Chloe looking adorable with their matching red hair.

Aunt Andrea and Chloe all dressed up to go see family on Christmas.

Dad and Chloe on Christmas morning.

Thursday Friend!

What a natural! Jeff is the proud dad of 2 year old twins :) We look forward to seeing him and Andrea, Ethan and Ava sometime soon.

Our friend Jeff was able to visit tonight. He lives in IA and was on his way to Vegas for work and had to stay the night because of snow there. It was fun to have him meet Chloe and hang out with us.

Chloe tried out the sling for a half hour nap today. She was all snuggled in there nice and cozy.

Nap Time (again)

I just can't resit taking her picture to share with all of you :)

The Three Bears

Even though the Bears didn't play this past Sunday we had to represent :) Here we all are ready to cheer on our favorite team.

Thursday

Dad snuggling with Chloe after work. Yeah, we're still working on getting those neck muscles strong :)

Mom and Chloe hanging out.

Go Bears! and Go Front Carriers :)

We have been introducing new baby things slowly to Chloe. Today she spent around 30 minutes in the carrier sleeping! It was amazing. Now that she's a little older she is liking more of her baby items, yay.

This evening our friend Erin came over to meet Chloe and she brought her a whole Chicago Bears outfit including a onesie, booties and beanie. Here she is sporting her beanie before bathtime. My forgetful self forgot to take a picture of Erin and Chloe, I'll have to get one next time for sure.

Sunday Sunday

Dad and Chloe taking a snooze this evening. She just had a bath too if you're noticing the curls :)

Chloe finally likes sitting in her bouncy chair! She will play there long enough for mom and/or dad to eat a meal, how amazing at this point.

Bath Time

Dad and Chloe after another soothing bath.

More New Friends

Desiree and Chloe.

Chris and Chloe.

Chloe got to meet two more friends today, Chris and Desiree. We had a fun lunch time eating, chatting and laughing.

Thanksgiving in Denver

This year the entire Kneifl family came out to Denver for Thanksgiving. We were so excited to have everyone come out to visit and meet Chloe. We had so much fun together. This is what we did over the long weekend.

Wednesday; Rich and Andrea arrived and helped us with all the grocery shopping. later this evening Grandma, Grandpa, Brigett and Tyler arrived. We stayed up late chatting and hanging out.

Thursday; Today began the day with lots of cooking (thanks Brig!) and smoking (meat that is).

Friday; The guys went out and about to the Triumph store, another motorcycle leather shop, out for lunch and bought even more meat. The girls hit the Mills Mall for some Black Friday shopping. There was daily and nightly swimming and ping pong tournaments.

Saturday; We all went to Watercourse for breakfast. This is Hollie's favorite vegetarian restaurant and getting her meat loving dad and brother there and enjoying the food was way easier than she thought! Then the guys did some more guy things, auto parts store, smoking meat, drinking beers, swimming, hot tubing and playing ping pong. While the ladies did some more shopping at Babies R Us and at the Cherry Creek Mall.

Sunday; We spent the early afternoon playing games and winning tickets at Dave and Busters. Tyler hit the jack pot with over 3900 tickets! Grandma, Grandpa, Brigett and Tyler then departed that afternoon a little late because of the weather, it was snowy and the flights were slightly delayed.

Monday; Rich and Andrea got an early bird flight back home.

All in all, it was such an awesome holiday filled with a ton of home cooking. I will remember this holiday spent with 9 family members in our 800 square foot apartment forever. I guess when you're with the people you love space just isn't an issue. Thank you all for making the trip out to Denver. We love you so much and look forward to seeing you again over Christmas.

Enjoy the photos below.

"Cat in the hat and that was that, Tyler Devos" :)

Tyler with all of his Dave and Busters winnings.

At Dave and Busters

Family photo:)

Grandpa and Chloe

T-man and Chloe

Rich and Chloe

Grandpa doing his abs :)