Back to Michigan for a short visit......

It was time to return Colton and Brennan to their family....and school, so we headed back on Dec. 8.  Arrived with that nasty "lake effect snow" bearing down on us when we hit Michigan City, Ind.  At one point (when he could see good) Gary looked back and there was no one behind us for a long ways ......we had been protected and we're pretty sure the pile up was back there!!  Thank you Lord!!!!

Our first event was Clayton's 7th Grade Band Concert at the High School Auditorium.   He's the one peeking around all the others.  Earlier Clayton had gone to a Solo Ensemble Festival and received a 1st place rating.   WAY TO GO CLAYTON!!  The band sounded very good.  We're hoping Clayton continues on with his trumpet!!

Gary always needs a project and Dennis helped him out.   The bad part was that Gary didn't have any of his wood working tools along, but he made do.  Dennis did have a good table saw for him to use and that was good!!  Notice his handy dandy hammer!!

Before that project was finished, however, it was Wednesday --- and that was the evening of Oliver's School Christmas Event.   It was like watching a TV show.  There were no kids who forgot their lines, or kids doing goofy things....... EVERYONE was in place and in time and it was grand. 

Oliver is front row - far right.  His first grade class did the Twelve Days of Christmas - with twelve groups of kids coming running in singing their line when it was their turn. Oliver was in the 8th day of Christmas.......  What fun! The "Partridge in a Pear Tree" did his line all by himself - twelve times.  He was great.

But now it was back to the "project".  The drawers gave him a fit....but it did all work out.....it would just take a little time.

 On Friday night we had a get-together with everyone at Mike and Julie's new home.  We kept it simple and just had dessert.  They really have a nice home....sorry I didn't get more pictures.......

Saturday --- it was back to the project.    Oh --- we did do other things.   We went out for Breakfast with Dale and Barb (cousin) and then another time with Hazel and Paul (sister).  We had supper and played cards with Dale and Barb another evening and ate out with my brother Bill........visited with my sister Linda and Dave......and went for supper with Glenn and Beth Kleinheksel....meals with the kids........   So this project did NOT consume our time......just kept Gary (and me) busy - which is all good.

OH BOY!!  It's not going to go in.......without removing some parts of the cabinet.  

 He finally decided the drawers were ok.........

And now to put things back together........  Finished project.

Sunday evening was the Overisel Reformed Church Christmas Program.  The only grandchild in it was Sawyer.  The program was a musical and Sawyers Choir did the music part of it.  They were the sheep, and the angels, and Joseph and Mary, and the shepherds......  and those sheep had ears.  :)  :)  We're not too sure that they were happy sheep...anyway some of the boys didn't appear to be happy sheep.   Sawyer sang in good form....the little gal next to him sang with her own set of motions........
                                      

And I think it was here that she encouraged Sawyer to "move a little bit"......anyway - Sawyer started to sway just a little to the beat of the music.   :)  :)    It was a really good show and the message of Jesus' birth came out loud and clear.   We thoroughly enjoyed it!!

And the next morning --- Monday --- we headed for home.  The weather would prove to be a little wet - but it was NOT snow......and we can handle a little rain.  By the time Tuesday came along -- it was a sunny day.  We had good travels and good times.  Once again, it was a fun time with family and friends.

Now I better get busy and get the rest of our Christmas cards out.   Patience people -- if you haven't gotten one yet --- it will be on the way soon.

May the Joy of Christ surround you in the coming New Year.

Merry Christmas

Gary and Barb