Decorating Christmas cookies....
Good morning loved ones. Scott and I are enjoying a week off (both our companies are shut down) to enjoy taking our time to clean up from the holidays, start some projects and get a few things done around the house that we haven't been able to get to.
We really enjoyed the relaxing couple of days with Dave & Rachel, which we spent mostly at home, except for a visit to Scott's mom and dad's prior to the Nykerk family party. Scott's dad is doing quite well from his chemo & radiation treatments, but of course is very tired. A feeding tube has been inserted so that he can get some nourishment, and so he is beginning to look and feel better. His surgery (cancerous growth near his esophagus) is scheduled for Feb. sometime.
As per normal, the Nykerk family Chistmas party was a blast - I think Pictionary needs to be an annual tradition - Jim and Bill cracked me up the most. Also so good to see Jen, Jason and the girls - they are too cute for words, and so polite! I was happy that Macey remembered me. Dad will be all set for awhile, now that he has four word search books to work on. (He'll probably call me in about two weeks asking for more.....)
We spent about 1-1/2 days in Chicago, leaving late Saturday morning and returning late evening on Sunday. Had a wonderful time seeing Katie - we spent most of the time at Dave and Rachel's, where we enjoyed playing canasta in the evening and just being together. Katie has such great taste, just like her sister, Rachel - they both got me the same beautiful sweater that I love, but in 2 different colors (neither knew about the other), so now I can wear what I love twice as often! We went to Woodfield Mall for part of Sunday and found a few bargains there, too.
Well, laundry is calling my name, so time to go. I have posted some pictures from Christmas below. I'll try to do better with keeping up with my blog (ahhhhh, Carol?)....
"God Bless Us Every One!"
.When I visited Minnesota recently, I stayed in this charming B&B. The house and the women who run it (81 y.o. mother and 53 y.o. dauther, Lois and Sally,) reminded me so much of Grandma Millard and Mom.
They were Swedish, and so I found out all about their customs, including Saint Lucia Day, for which they made me a special breakfast (below).
Here they are, the lovely Lois and Sally.
Back in Holland - decorating Christmas cookies....
Not too shabby.....
Bella and Uncle Dave....
Christmas Day breakfast...
Don't worry Ally, there are presents for you, too!
It just wouldn't be Christmas if Dave wasn't working on a puzzle...
Thanks!
A new drill, perhaps?
The Nykerk Christmas party at "bumpa's" house....
Kelsey - what a darling!
Just plain fun all around....
I know Jen - that pencil could be dangerous! Sorry about that - Mace - please don't poke anybody in the eye!
"Thanks, daddy, for helping me with my new sticker picture book."
And in Chicago.......Love those MAC cosmetics....
Doesn't she look adorable with bangs? Gotta love bingo - we can stock up on lotions and gels for the whole year, right Kate?
Helping dad with a computer question.....
What a guy - Dave offered to watch both of the dogs while the rest of us went shopping - thanks, Dave!
