Well, the month has flown by! Seems like school just started and now we're half done! December came and went so fast. We spent out time getting ready for Christmas, going to holiday events and then spending time with the van Melle side for Christmas. We got in some skating, took in the gem/mineral and train show in Longmont, went to the Christmas Parade, and then waited for company...
Elaine arrived on Dec. 12th and was here to partake in school activities. She read at Evan's school and during story time in Jaelynn's class one day. The week of Christmas Ehren's three brothers and their families all arrived. We had plenty of food, space, and fun for all! We spent Christmas Eve swimming (we had the pool to ourselves), took a trip to Estes Park, Denver Aquarium, and also out for dinner at a great local Mexican restaurant where the Mariachis played for us. Some of the boys went hiking, there were several trips to the park (weather was more then optimal), trips to Celestial Seasonings as well as a local brewery.
It was great to have everyone here for the holidays and even with 14 in the house...we still had enough space. It was fun to see all the kids together and having fun (the big kids too)! We had our first snowfall of the year between Christmas and New Years...and managed to get everyone out on their flights. Everyone was gone by New Years and we had a quiet New Years eve at home with the kids and the Landrigans...and had a Wii night of food and games. :-) It was great!
Lastly, we would love to welcome our new newphew...Gabriel Jude Ait was born in Dubai to Lana and Samuel on December 20th! He's got the Sterling genes of fair skin and light hair...poor Samuel! He's a little gem and can't wait to meet him other than on the webcam!!
