we're back

for home security reasons we didn't mention our christmas holiday in the midwest, but now that we are back safe and sound in santa cruz we can share some of the highlights. we will spare you most of the details, but a grand time was had and christmas magic abounded.

the first leg of our trip brought us to the scott family's home in plymouth, wi. we donned our best holiday aprons to make cookies, played in the snow, and celebrated the birth of jesus. everyone was there, and it was lovely.

here is a taste of scott family apron magic:
and a picture of scott family snow time:


for the second half, we visited the staple family's home in grand haven, mi. we walked on the frozen beach, had a tea party (for girls only), and ate, and ate, and ate. everyone was there, and it was lovely.

here is a glimpse of the frozen pier in grand haven:
and here is a picture of some of the members of the staple family:


when the eating, celebrating, and playing was over, we got in the rental car and headed back to o'hare for some prolonged airport time. the weather was ever changing during our visit to the homeland. at times throughout the trip, we experienced 40 mph winds howling in the middle of the night, windchill in the single digits, driving rain, heavy snow, thick fog, and sunshine. it was glorious.

here is a snapshot of the road conditions near holland, mi on december 28:

we had a great time, and now we're glad to be home. we hope you all had a warm and happy holiday season!