Michigan Christmas

We were able to be in Grand Rapids with our family and friends for Christmas. We went to church here in Jarvis, and then busted home and loaded up the van for our trip. We made it in 5 hrs. and 15 min. (a record with Lyddi in the van)! She did AMAZING, which made the trip very enjoyable for us. We stayed with Mom and Dad Mallekoote. Here Lyddi is making friends with Mia.

 Lydia and me playing some Christmas music together.

 I was able to get together with dear friends while we were visiting. I spent one morning hot-tubbing with Laura, Jodi, Adri and Heids (sorry you're not in the picture Heids). We all went to high school together and now here we are, 12 years and 7 kids later! We've spent countless hours chatting in this hot tub so it was wonderful to be together again for a few hours.

 We celebrated Mallekoote Christmas by starting with a delicious breakfast at Arnies.

Mom and Dad Mallekoote recently bought a new house so we celebrated Christmas there. Here are a few of us, just hanging out.

 And the presents begin...oh the excitement and squeals!

 Daniel was really pumped about his pogo stick.

 Zach and Rachel...so sweet.

 Lyddi woke up from her nap to witness her cousins opening gifts...just taking it all in.

Lydia working away at one of her gifts.

 The kids waiting for their last gift.

 We stopped to sing a song we learned together. :-)

 Blake and Bryson playing with their new cars.

 Oh boy, do these kids love Grandma!

 Grandpa playing with Lyddi.

 After gifts, the kiddos all moved into the kitchen for play dough time!

 Sarah and Lydia really love each other. It is so sweet to watch them together.

Little buddies.

 Zach reading Rachel and Matthew a story.

 Blake, Sarah, and me watching a movie.

 Just loving her first Christmas celebration!

 Daniel and Pieter- little sweeties...

 Me and Mari.

After the kids finished the adults did our Secret Santa exchange. Mom was really surprised!

 Zach received a chef's hat and apron for pizza night at our place!

 Dad and Mom opening gifts.

 We also took advantage of this night to celebrate Dad's retirement! Wow...43 years of diligent, dedicated, hard work to provide for his family. Thank you for all you gave and sacrificed to make a wonderful life for us kids. We love and respect you so much Mom and Dad! We put together a basket filled with gifts to help celebrate this monumentous occasion.

 "Retired. But working full-time spoiling my grandchildren."

 Opening more gifts.

 We put together a book of stories, memories and notes of encouragement from Dad and Mom's friends and family to share in this special time.

 Below, Daniel is having some fun with his Daddy.

 The guys played some pool after all the excitement. Any pool sharks in the family?...Yup.

The next day we headed over to Mom O's for a second Christmas celebration!

 Lydia and Grandma O.

 Mom O liked her photo mug!

 Some of the extended family came over in the evening. Here Lydia and Bryce are hanging out.

The next morning we celebrated our third Christmas celebration with Dad O, Trace, Cal and Hannah!
Here we are hanging out in the morning. Oh, I love Lyddi hugs!!

Mimi giving some love to Lydia.

 Dad and Trace made us a breakfast feast to enjoy- it was delicious! Below Grandpa is helping Lyddi enjoy it too.

 Here we are opening gifts together.

 Yeah! A duo-dry shirt- I love these!

 Hannah opening up one of her gifts...earrings- Ooh la la!

 Trace loved her pink-bling mug with a personal touch.

 Uncle Cal showing Lydia her ornament.

 Lyddi checking things out.

 Cal and his new book.

 Auntie Sheesh even stopped by! We're so glad Lydia was able to see her while we were both in town.

 Uncle Cal giving Lyddi a ride in her new car....so fun!

 As you can see, she loved it!

After all the Christmas celebrations we enjoyed some down time. Pieter and Sarah had a sleepover with us one night. Here we are reading a bed-time story together.

 In the morning Sarah had fun taking pictures of Lydia with her camera.

 Our time in GR flew by (as always). It was busy, but we enjoyed many moments of relaxation. Here we are saying good-bye to Mom and Dad. Can you see the Lyddi-sandwhich happening?

 All ready for the road trip.

 Grandpa and Grandma M waving bye-bye to Lyddi... love it.

Thank you for a wonderful time. Thank you for the gifts, hugs, smiles, laughs, delicious meals, warm beds to sleep in...a time filled with blessings. For those of you we didn't get a chance to see, we were thinking of you and look forward to the next time we get to see one another. Lots of love and big hugs!