A Cold Weather Christmas ...

We are back in Peoria after a wonderfully warm 10 days in Florida. We scraped about a half inch of ice off of our car at the airport and kicked a few doors open that had frozen shut. But, we finally made it home to find that Santa had come to our house. So even though it was late at night, we had to start opening some presents (as the kids would not have gone to bed otherwise). Video of Anna enjoying one of her new gifts

A Warm Weather Christmas

Yes, we are still in Florida enjoying the very nice weather, and my parents (Papa and Grandma). We held our own Christmas meal and present opening on the coldest day of our visit ... which for Florida was a cold 60 degrees ... instead of 75 degrees like today. Here are some of the highlights from our visit.Homosassa Springs State Park, with the Florida Manitees

We have escaped the cold for ...

Florida, Disney World and Papa and Grandma's house. No complaints from any of us about the 80 degree weather (although, it almost feels too warm) ... but we are having a great time anyway. We are having lots of fun ... just ask the girls.

The Ghost of Christmas Past

The ghost of Christmas past really is a trip down memory lane ... as we revisit some of our past Christmas pictures. My, how we all have changed.

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2006

Christmas 2005

Christmas 2004

Christmas 2003

Christmas Pictures

In search of the perfect picture ... here are some of our better ones.

Winter is here

Winter is here ... and since today (November 30th) the Vikings are playing the Bears, we made a fitting snowman (i.e., the snowman is wearing a Vikings jersey).

Thanksgiving with the Haubenreich's

We hosted Thanksgiving for Kristin's parents and 4 brothers this last week and had a grand time. 20 people, 8 kids under 5 years old ... including 3 babies under 1 years old. That's the mixture for a great (and chaotic) time. Anyway - enjoy the highlights.

Sing-a-long time with Uncle Jeff (see video in a separate posting). This was a big hit and hopefully has started a new tradition.

The kids table (left to right) Will, Eli, Luke, Anna and Emily.

Joel and Andi (newly engaged)

Kristin showing off the Thanksgiving spread.

Bob and Lyndsey

David and Jessica, with Will, Luke and Tom

Jeff and Annie, with Eli and Jude

The Thanksgiving Tribe (Emily, Eli, Anna, Will and Luke)

Baby Jenna and Baby Tom

With that much excitement, not everyone could make it.