Our Christmas Morning

We had a nice brunch before we opened presents.

Marcos did a great job handing out presents.

Linnea was still kind of sleepy as she

got started on her gifts.

Marcos got a great, muscles built in,

Spiderman costume.

Christmas Eve 2009

It was great having Issac with us,

he helped out by playing with Marcos.

Yes Virginia, there was lutefisk.
Fish coarse.

Cold coarse.
Hot coarse.

Marcos handing our gifts.

Lovely,,,,
Anja handing out pictures.
Marcos tiger.

Gregg's Birthday

Linnea and Grandpa.

Linnea, offering her expertise in present opening.

Marcos, Checo and Linnea.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We woke up to a thick glaze of ice on EVERYTHING outside this morning. Not a nice morning to be out and about! Which I learned the hard way as I stepped out on the porch to retrieve a present that Santa forgot in the car last night......one slip, fall, bruised bum, near vasovagal event later.

The Lopez' and Issac were able to join us for brunch. Mom stayed home with bad chest cold and a good thing too, as it just was not a good idea for her to try to "skate" across her parking lot.

The rest of the afternoon has been nap filled, checking out the gifts with Nea and the promise of left-overs this evening. We're looking forward to getting together with all the B's tomorrow.

Best wishes to everyone for an equally laid back, holiday weekend ahead.

Some Misc. Action From The Last Few Weeks

Marcos really enjoyed the dry jello mix.

Marcos wasn't into making cookies, but he

did watch closely; maybe next year.
Marcos got some new soldiers at Schuler's.
They are guarding the Christmas tree here.

MJ and Marcos attended a fun Feast of

Guadalupe party at the GR Public Library.

Christmas vacation has begun!

Gregg and I are officially on VACATION. School is done at the college and Gregg doesn't have to go back until the 4th. Except for a 1/2 day next week....I'm also off until the 4th. Yeah!

We have a little more shopping to do and have decided that brunch next Friday will be our celebration here at home, in between the celebration in Holland the night before and the big gathering at Bill's on the day after Christmas.

The christmas cards are going slowly, so please don't think we've forgotten! As everyone heads into the last weekend before the holiday, we hope you all enjoy time with family and friends. Treat yourself to a random act of kindness and bask in the glow!

Winter is here...its official!

Gregg shoveled the drive 3 times on Friday last week! While everything beyond 20 miles from us was practically snowflake free!! What's up with that? The snow in the street is barely melted and the next storm is predicted for tomorrow. Blustery winds have just begun.

The good news is that our colds and Gregg's sinus infection have finally cleared up...I think....
Shopping is nearly done, baking and Christmas cards are on the agenda this weekend and the last full week of work for the month is next week.

The Linnea quilt is yet to finish, but she actually helped me with a few stitches the other night; carefully pulling the needle through the fabric for me. Think I might have a sewer in the making? I'm guessing a darning needle and some plastic or burlap is just the ticket.

Michael's birthday is Saturday, so we're hoping to connect with the guys this weekend too..

Anyone doing St. Lucia rolls on Sunday? I'm looking at my collection of St. Lucia figures right now.

Stay warm everyone...(OK, you guys out in Phoenix just stay cool).

Thanksgiving Week Views

Linnea enjoying some coconut chicken curry with

fruit loops, while enjoying some

Christmas music.

She loves her curry!

Thanksgiving Nea.

K and Linnea getting to know each other.Gregg and Marcos enjoying a moment.Rachael and Allison sharing stories.
Janet and Allison.

Issac and Grandma.
Linnea getting a pre-dinner snack,

while the dog hovers, waiting for a snack.

Trimming The Robinson's House For The Holidays

Linnea had lots of fun helping Grandma
decorate our tree.
Marcos helped earlier bringing things
up from the basement and getting the
tree up.












The red decorations are Linnea's hands,

traced and made in '07 & '08.

View from the driveway.

Linnea did a great job and was in good voice.

Fall Fun

Linnea and Mary Jane made a new
Thanksgiving window decoration.
Lots of Nea's hands make this a
very special turkey.











Today was another beautiful day. Yesterday
we pretty much finished up yard work and
today the garage go a good cleaning/re-arranging.
Linnea and MJ enjoyed a break by eating
a wonderful Michigan apple.

Welcome to the Christian Family, M!

Sunday was Baptism day for M, at the same church where his daddy was baptised nearly 36 years ago. He looked so handsome in his white suit (thanks godparents, Caro and Oscar!) Just moments after arriving at the church, he started chasing little buddy Oscar, Jr. and took a tumble; there went the knees. Another few moments and a misdirected hug from Grma L. and he had lipstick on his shoulder.


During the ceremony, the priest explained the symbolism of the sacrament; the oil, the water, the candle and, "white is the symbol of new life in Christ, which is why M is wearing pure white.....(pause).....ALMOST pure white."

We all went back to casa rosa for the party. It all worked out just fine. Though Sergio lost his voice and began to feel really bad. He headed upstairs to the bedroom and missed most of the party.

More photos from our few days of sight-seeing and celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Wish we could have stayed longer-great having Beth as a travel companion. Missed having Gregg and Jill and Nea along!

Halloween Fun

Linnea trick-or-treating at
Woodland Mall.

Good Byes And Nea In The Leaves

The Lopez' with MJ got off on time this

afternoon for their trip to Morelia.

According to Em, at one point this afternoon

Marcos said he didn't want to go; she then

gave him a piece of candy and voila, let's

go to Mexico!

Grandma gets to play the, I see something

you don't see game, with Marcos.

She's so lucky!

Issac's Congrats Party and Some Pictures From Nea's Trip To The Pumpkin Patch

We had a pizza party in honor of Issac's
getting his commercial pilot's license.
Present were: GiGi, Paul, Jake, Marcos, Linnea,
Jill, Emily, Sergio, MJ and Gregg.

We had a great visit with Issac. It took a
little while, but Nea warmed up to Issac
before she went to bed.

Linnea from last Sunday.