December, 2009

Sabbatical really started early for us since both Mark and I were able to take a couple of weeks of vacation time at the end of 2009. We were overjoyed since all our children and two new grandchildren were with us for Christmas. Steve, Anneke, and 8 month old Mary Lou flew in from Boston; Jon, Arianne, and almost 3 month old Benjamin flew in from Atlanta; Mike drove home from southern California.

We mostly stayed close to home but did spend a couple of days in the mountains enjoying the snow. We also ate well and played lots of Settlers of Catan (almost all of us managed to hear, "Hail, Lord of Catan!" at least once). Grandma Ric was able to join us for Christmas.

On the Sunday after Christmas, we gathered with lots of other family members including the other new parents and baby--Sam, Hilleri, and 3 month Ailie West--in the family. What precious times.

Now we're back to the two of us plus Michael who will be house-sitting for us while we are gone. New Zealand beckons...less than a week away!