Couples Retreat

This past weekend, Jake and I went on a Couple's Retreat with our Church to Michigan. There were 16 of us total and we stayed in two cabins. We had a great time reconnecting with our spouse, and enjoying the company of other young couples.

Jake helped lead the worship for the few sessions that we had. Notice the lovely lodge decor in the background:)

It was such a nice relaxing place, tucked back in the woods, fire crackling, and snow falling all weekend. This was Jake and my favorite spot to sit all weekend.Saturday afternoon, Jake and I and another couple went out and played in the 2 feet of snow!!! We hadn't even got 3 feet away from the house and the guys were already covered in snow.

Jake and Jameson covered in snow.... Allison and I soon looked like this too:) After we came in from the snow, we got into our swimsuits and got into their outdoor hot tub. What a difference:) And crazy us... we got out and made snow angels in the snow and jumped back in the hot tub... I will never do that again! My skin was burning!

We were blessed to have Ronnie, a friend from church, come and cook for us. He made some great Italian food! We all ate around a huge table and sat forever just talking. 
Just an example of how relaxing the cabin was:)
We were so thankful for the chance to get away together and reconnect. God is so good in giving us little retreats from the craziness of life.

Making Memories

Well, I know this took me a long time to post but here's our pictures from Christmas Break! We had such a good time in Iowa with our family and friends. What a blessing it was to be able to come back for 2 weeks! It flew by!

The first day we were back, Jake went to work bright and early and I hit the sledding hill with Rebekah, Elizabeth, Dad and Mom!  

I love this picture. Making memories:)

On Christmas Eve Day when went to Eldon, Ia where Jake's Grandparents live. Eldon is a small town in Iowa but it is popular because it is the town where the American Gothic house still stands! So of course, Jake and I had to go visit the new American Gothic visitor's center.

 I sure married into a sweet and loving family! We had a great time in Eldon.

After driving home from Eldon, Jake and I jumped into our car and drove to Marshalltown to go see my grandparents. Chas took this picture of Grandma and I. This is a picture I will Cherish!

Christmas Eve, Matt, Shannon, Jake and I all slept over at my parents house. The girls decided to wake us all up early Christmas morning:)

My mom found these hilarious pajama pants that look like jeans! Matt and Jake loved them.

This was Jake's number one favorite present.... Shannon knit him a penguin!!! She is amazing!

Here's the girls with their shirts that Jake and I got them. They say, "Somebody in Chicago loves me." 

We also had a Christmas with Max, Rita, Sarah, and PJ. It was so great being together! We had a wonderful time! Sorry I don't have any pictures of us:(

And last but not least, over the Christmas break, we were able to hang out with our old college group, Ethos! It was so fun seeing everyone!