Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Here are some photos from the holiday festivities. It was such a rich time with friends and family. Overwhelming at times, but rich.
Jennie and Uncle Doug on our balcony.
The sweetest guy I know.
After the Christmas eve service, we went to Jeff and Steph's for dinner. This is always something I look forward to. Fondue + good company = a good time!
Azlan, Emma, Elise, and the wiener dogs!
Steph, Ollie, Jeff, and Pam
One thing led to another, which led to a game of fishbowl.
Christmas morning. Moter gave Samuel a worm bin for Christmas. I know what you are thinking: you want to get on her list next year. Don't we all!
Uncle Chase tests out his antics on the boys.
With Isa and baby Story! The cutest gal this side of the Mississippi.
Chase and Dave building a cajon. It turned out really sweet, but not as sweet as Dave's pants in this picture.

Pam serving Christmas morning Swedish Pancakes to Austin, Minlei, Ann and I. SO TASTY.
Dave and Az.
Pam's fabulous corkboard made by Az and Dave. So crafty.

Playing a rousing round of Quiddler on Christmas day.
Jennie and Emma, my gorgeous cousins.
Jet and Chase do some deep knee bends while waiting for the buffet.
Jacob displaying his famed pumpkin soup. Notice a) the Coleman stove inside the barbecue, and b) his ruthless black sock and slippers combination.

This is Ann, the German student who we had the honor of hosting over Christmas. She is so sweet and it was lovely getting to know her. We hope she'll be back!
We also got to dogsit Zuri, Chris and Katheryn's pooch. She is such a joy, albeit a tad spoiled.
Another pooch we dogsat over the holiday. She has a matching brother. Don't let them deceive you with their cuteness; they're rascals at heart and will poop on your floor.
Samuel enjoying Jeff and Steph's tree fort!
Dachshunds are known for their surfing abilities, though they have difficulty swimming due to their extremely short legs.
Oh yeah, Gabo and Felipe stayed with us over New Years. It was awesome! This was a family walk we took on the beach on New Year's Eve day. Chase took some sweet photos, which you can check out in the album on the right column of the blog. Here are a few.
Gabo and Pipe.
Samuel probes a sea anenome. Don't worry, they really like it when you do this. It is like a gentle massage.
Scout searching for treasures.
Chase and Sage.
With little Jade. She really knows how to bring in the New Year!


Wishing you all an awesome 2010. May God bless you richly this year and beyond!