A whirl of holiday fun

The holidays are done, gone and over (whew) and we have had a whirl of fun spending time with friends and family.

From surprise visits from Mr. and Mrs. Borny-Clause on Christmas Eve to watching Avery bowl for the first time, laughing hysterically with the rest of the Volkers bunch, to laughing even more hysterically at Avery and Grandpa Kelly's "band", cookies with Michelle and Savannah, Max's skateboard and more, we are truly thankful for everything and everyone we have in our life.

While some of our beloved family members are soaking up Hemingway and sunshine and a small, terrible part of me hopes fleetingly of jellyfish stings, the rest of us have moved on to New Year resolutions (try not be as sarcastic should probably be number 1 for me I suppose) and look back on holiday memories with smiles, warmth and love. Here a few pictures to share with everyone. While we did not manage to get pictures from all the special gatherings and the laughter and fun that we had at each one, we still remember them!

Max. His smile and contentment are not always seen by others, but it's there! Sometimes it's way, way down there, underneath the excited 7 year old boy antics, but like a hunter, if you wait patiently and sit quietly you can find the allusive Max.

Max enjoyed one of Levi's presents...a memory from our visit COSI!

Max was just a little bit excited about his skateboard from Honey and Grandpa Kelly. Now he just sort of carries it from room to room and sits on it and wants to know when he'll get the knee and elbow pads so he can ride it.


Avery got kind of bossy with Grandpa Kelly (I know, I know, hold the shock and awe) during the formation of her "band".

Honey and Grandpa Kelly with all the holiday cheer of lapfuls of grandkids. They are saying goodbye to Ohio, and The Barn and heading to Chicago...which will be a whole new city for us to invade and explore. Hope the windy city is ready for us!It's a giant cupcake! Bake in two parts in the special cake mold...

Frost. (Starting small, not quite up to the intricate decorations found in "Hello, Cupcake..)

And enjoy! And we hope that everyone enjoys a safe and enjoyable winter. The fun of cold days sledding and warm hot cocoa, playing games and having hot soup!