Merry Christmas, Part 2

We extended the holidays through the entire week this year, getting together with Nana and Grandpa Aalberts to celebrate Christmas over the New Year's weekend. Aunt Lorie and Jason, who at 18 is now the tallest cousin of us all, joined us. It was a fun visit that included some presents, stomping through the snow, and sledding, despite the seemingly sub-zero temperatures. The visit also gave us a nice time to share some special time with Mom and Dad as Mom continues to recover from her surgery, treatments, and a persistent virus that has her still feeling worse than we would all wish for her ...


The presents were fun. Maya enjoyed many more books and some more babies to add to her brood. She's a great caretaker of all her little ones, cuddling them and always making sure they have what they need in the way of blankets, pacifiers, and clothes.





Owen's Christmas was all about LEGO's. He got several new sets which (see below) we made quick work at assembling.

And of course there was lots of time for hugs and play ...

We were all very thankful for a wonderful Christmas and the family that made it possible.

Just as we were thankful for whatever moments of peace could be found on the car trip home ...