(posted by John)
Wow, I have certainly fallen behind on keeping everyone up to speed on our European adventure. We have been just as busy (maybe busier) so now is time to get this blog updated! (over the next few weeks :) )
Jen and the kids spent three weeks and I spent two in Minnesota over the 2011 Holidays. We celebrated with my side of the family on Christmas Eve, first at my Mom's house (Grandma Betty) and then with my extended family at my Uncle Terry's house in Coon Rapids.
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| Grandma Betty and her four grandkids (Andie, Allison, Ryan and Matthew) |
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| The Annual Table Hockey Tournament at Terry's Xmas Eve Night |
Christmas Day morning following Santa's visit to Grandma Betty's house (where we were staying)...
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| Christmas Morning at Grandma Betty's House |
we departed for St. James to celebrate with Jen's side of the family. Lots of family time and catching up with our nieces and nephews. We are so proud of all of them!
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| Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa John with their 11 Grandkids (12 as of March 2012!) |
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| Movie and Malts! |
On December 27th, we departed for our cabin near Alexandria, MN. A full week of games (both indoor and outdoor) and R&R. One of the first things we did was to go skiing for the first time as a family!
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| Skiing at Andes Tower Hills |
Jen's parents joined us for two days at the cabin to play games (Farkel and Mexican Train Dominos) and enjoy the quiet of the cabin
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| Farkel with Grandma and Grandpa |
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| On the Ice (our cabin is up on the hill in the background) |
After John and Jeanne headed home, our friends the Pemantells joined us for a New Year's Eve celebration as well as plenty of fun in the snow and on the ice.
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| Matthew and the Snowman on the ice |
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| Snow fort on the lake (Ryan, Allie P., Matthew, Allison, and Tessa) |
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| Happy New Year! |
We departed the cabin on January 2nd...always hard to leave, we love it up there! We headed back to the Twin Cities with just enough time for a quick birthday celebration (for me) before I had to head back to Amsterdam. As is our tradition, we went bowling for my birthday!
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| Matthew showing off his skills |
Before Jen and the kids departed Minnesota for Holland, they were able to get together with a number of friends from our Eden Prairie neighborhood. It is great to stay connected with our friends!
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| The Neighborhood Crew |
We have learned that there is never enough time to connect with everyone we'd like when we come back to Minnesota, but we are greatful for everyone we were able to see during this trip. We'll see you all again when we are back this summer!
Happy Holidays,
Jen, John, Allison, Ryan and Matthew
