Saturday, December 31, 2011

Rounding out another year

Year end reflections
When I first turned this calendar page, I didn't know what all the month would hold. It was full of surprises, delights, stresses, disappointments, anticipations, tears, laughter, farewells, and blessings. We embraced them all and look forward to 2012 with the same wonder.
Here's a glimpse of the final week of 2011 in our family.

Belated birthday and Christmas get together





It seems like ages since we got together with our dear friends, Tom and Kim. I know we were just at their house for their grandchildrens' birthdays but we didn't really get to visit. That was remedied yesterday. We met down at Stanfords near Clackamas Town Center for happy hour at 4:30. Three and a half hours later we realized what time it was and reluctantly returned to our "real" lives.

It was more than wonderful to spend times with them. We already have a couple dates on the calendar for 2012 so that we don't let our friendship end up on a back burner again.



Kim and I in front of Stanfords Christmas tree.
Harlan and I celebrating our 33rd Christmas season together.

Cuzzies here = Warm fuzzies
Little bright eyed Anabelle waiting for her mommy to bring on the food. In this case it was squash.

Toddler Communication














Shared smiles led to shared toys. Henry, being past 2 years old, has many more words than Garrett but somehow they communicate. It's fun to watch their interaction.
Genevieve getting down on Anabelle's level. Beneficial to both cousins. Connections that will only strengthen as the years go by.
Danika was asked to watch Belle-belle while Cherise ran to get something. Wyatt pitched in too.

New Years Eve "Party"!













Our party consisted of a snacky supper, pop, brownies, and Christmas crackers that needed to be popped.




Watching CNN for the ball to be dropped in Times Square, New York City.
COUSIN Sebastian was able to make it!
Another wild and crazy couple.





















Four of the grandkids in their "cracker crowns".
It's officially 2012 in the Eastern Time Zone and that includes Michigan. So this former Michigander is officially claiming that it is New Years.

Wishing all our family and friends a
Happy, Healthy, Hopeful and very very Blessed 2012!

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