how was your christmas?
as the days pass, more and more details blur together into the simplicity of good….
in sorting the hundreds of images, i am reminded of the blessing of food (plenty, plenty, plenty is all that can be said).
the blessing of gifts. because of traveling, we opened presents in spurts for over a week. today eliza woke up and said, “who will give me a present today?” i’m inspired by barack and michelle who joked in an interview that everyday is christmas for their girls: a place to sleep and food to eat.
the blessing of traveling safety despite the vomiting, the ice, the snow and alternator-going-out car sounds.
the blessing of playing games with freshly-remembered relatives may be my children’s most fond memories.
the blessing of furry friends was upon us. cuddling oma and opas new puppy still brings giggles when we remember him. sally is a wonderful travel companion. we saw marley and me (i had to control myself not to HOWL) and loved it…so many familiar moments.
the weather we experienced was only a blessing. we escaped slipping or crashing. naomi got her tongue off the back fence on her own. it was cold enough to see frozen waterfalls. it was warm enough to explore more of papa’s piles as cousins.
and now the blessing of home has welcomed us. we’re grateful for family (even if we were only together on skype). we’ve been cleaning and sorting our nest. making room for new treasures.
making room for the new year.
prairie daze 
your christmas looks like it was splendid! happy new year!
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I have missed your blog!. Glad your back with such amazing photos, such amazing memories.
And yes, Skype. It’s a poor substitute for actual physical contact, but oh so much better than the phone.
love to you and yours this New Year.
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Whoops! Logged in as my husband! That above is from me!
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Wow, what a collection of pictures and memories! Was that Starved Rock you were at? I’ve been there and such a great place for family gatherings (my mom’s family is from Chicago and we met there a few springs in a row to celebrate my grandparent’s anniversary). You need to learn about the “Madison Oasis” (and so does Jen) when you come this direction and stop by sometime!
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oh, wonderful images. you have built quite a cozy nest there!
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What a wonderful photographic journey of your holiday. I love the pictures!
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i so love when the ‘blur’ is a positive one! just looking at the pictures made me feel full to the core of my being – so glad it was a wonderful time for you all!
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Oh what precious reminders of family time together!!! How Jon and Tricia would have loved to be with us in person as well. We are so grateful for safe travels for all. Thank you for capturing so many special moments with your photos. Love you.
Mom/Oma
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This was worth the wait! Happy New Year!
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We relived the joy we had together with you at Starved Rock. Your pics have depicted it beautifully. Here is Omi. “Opi and I talked about you before these pics came, Naomi and we agreed that you are a beautiful girl, not only in looks but also in your character. I am so proud to be on that picture with you. I love to see you dancing across the room at your Opa and Oma’s room. Opi and I love you dearly.” Micah we love to play games with you and to watch you play chess. And Eliza, you treat little bear like a baby. You are all dears. We love you all so much. Omi and Opi.
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it felt so good to look through those pictures. i missed you. and your pictures. these were really good. they are always focused on the good.
that feels nice.
and relaxing to me. i felt my shoulders and neck unclench as i was looking through these. :)
ahhhhhhh….
thanks.
see you soon.
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Your dad’s expression -out in the snow with Eliza- is so telling. Such an exuberant Opa.
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happy new year!
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what an awesome photo essay. i wish i had an orange mac!
happy new year. :^)
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It was fun to get together after Christmas. Seems like we got to spend a good chunk of time together that day, but I realize I didn’t get to ask you about the place you went with your folks and didn’t know that you saw Marley and Me over Christmas just like I did. Love your photos, as always.
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