An early Christmas

On Monday November 16th Todd's Grandma Orpha passed away at 89 years of age. She was living in a nursing home and doing well, so this came as somewhat as a shock to everyone. She suffered a stroke early Monday morning and went downhill throughout the day. By the time we heard the news she was already gone. We feel truly blessed that Grandma Orpha was in our lives for the time she was. She was such a special woman and will truly be missed. Her services were held in Appleton on Thursday afternoon. We drove halfway on Wednesday evening, stayed in a hotel, and then drove the remainder on Thursday morning. This is a picture of a perfect sunset Thursday evening at the farm where Grandma Orpha lived for over 40 years. It is also the farm where Todd grew up. It will always be a special place for our family.

We were supposed to be going up to SD/MN for Thanksgiving the following weekend, but we decided to just make one trip and stay for the entire weekend. So we ended up celebrating Christmas very early!

The "big" kids, Shawn and Tatiana, both 10

Ready to open some presents. James loved ripping the wrapping paper. I have no idea why he is just wearing a diaper, but if I remember correctly he refused to put clothes on. Absolutely refused!

Playing with Tatiana and Ashley! Silly girls put some stuffing on his head!

Cuddling with Grandma Robin

More presents for James!