Gotta Smile!: Over The River and Through the Woods

December 19 - 30, 2011

We can't believe it is Christmas! The last three months have gone so fast and now we are in Florida with blue skies and balmy temperatures. We must be crazy to head back to Minnesota in the middle of winter. We are crazy.... crazy to see our family!!! We take a flight on the 19th to the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul). Steve picks us up and takes us to their new Afton home where we are greeted by hugs, kisses and "I love yous" from Addison and Niko. There is no snow and the temperatures are mild -- 30's and low 40's. Great news for the two of us, but disappointing to the rest of the group. Jennifer, Ian, Christopher and JAC are arriving on the 22nd. In the mean time there is lots to do. I have to get my hair cut and colored (critical), do some grocery shopping, stop at the office to say 'hi' to friends, have lunch with additional friends and pick up some last minute gifts. Brian and I both meet Barb and Sandy for lunch. He gets the Boxster out of storage and goes to Mayo for his five year cancer check. Great news -- he is clear of anything that resembles a cancer cell and doesn't have to return for additional check-ups for eighteen months! We are so thankful. Jennifer arrives with her children in the morning and Ian arrives that evening. Now, things are getting really festive (code for- crazy wild)! Christmas morning is pure unadalterated chaos. Wrapping paper flies off the gifts, shouts of pure joy, and lots of hugs. I know it sounds like a Hallmark card but, It was pretty much perfect. Early on the 28th Jennifer and her family left for the airport to return to Dallas while Brian and I hopped in the Boxster to drive to Florida. We had an incredible family Christmas with no fights or arguments and I didn't say anything inappropriate (that I remember). Maybe we are just becoming more tolerant of each other's idiosyncrasies? A special thanks to Erin for taking in all of her in-laws for a whole week and never looking like she wanted to kill us or herself!


Gotta Smile -- We're lovin the ride!