Back to the Blog (Happy New Year)

It's been nearly 3 weeks since our last blog posting. Kathy and I left for Iowa City on Friday, Dec. 16th and returned home (Otsego, MN) on Thursday, Dec. 29.

We celebrated birthdays of Emily (Kathy's niece) on Dec. 17, Joe (Kathy's brother-in-law) on Dec. 18, and Kristin (Kathy's sister) on Dec. 21. We celebrated Christmas on Christmas Day with Kathy's parents and sister's family (JAKE-Joe, Allison, Kristin, & Emily) by traveling to Central City, IA and visited Kathy's Grandma and Grandpa Ricklefs and Grandma and Grandpa McArthur, Aunt and Uncle McArthur as well as her cousins and their families. It was great to see everyone again. After the trip to Central City, we celebrated once again with Kathy's parents and JAKE. It was a great time, for great family, and great food. Too much food and too good of desserts. Kathy and I were very thankful for this time and for all of the presents. But means the most is being with Family.

On Tuesday, December 27...we drove to Cedar Rapids, IA to celebrate Christmas with my sister and her family (Kari, Brady, Aren, and Maci...aka, the Brady Bunch) as well as my Mom (Doris) who flew in from Albuquerque, NM (well sort of).

Due to fog, Mom C's flight from Minneapolis (MSP) to Cedar Rapids was cancelled. Rather than stay, stranded in MSP...she got in a car with three complete strangers and drove to Cedar Rapids. I was a little nervous about my Mom doing this, but all was well and she got to Cedar Rapids Tuesday night. On Wednesday, we celebrated Christmas by having Fried Chicken and opening presents. Again, too good of food and too generous on the gifts...but again...the most important part was being with Family.

Kathy and I drove back home on Thursday, December 29th and have been enjoying a nice long weekend...doing not too much. We're slowly getting settled and continue to unpack boxes and organize. We've been very fortunate to have a long Christmas and New Year vacation...but tomorrow it is back to the GRIND. I think it's going to be a hectic week.

Will end for now...but will post again soon.