New Years Eve & Memories...

Moving right along....

Every year, during the holidays, we go to a hotel with Steve's immediate and extended family.

This year we went back to the faithful Ramada in Grayling!

We always incorporate FFF...Forced Family Fun night!

We played Take it All...it's a TV show with Howie Mandel hosting.

Here are the contestants.....

Wes opened a pair of Elf boxers

Jordan & Tyler

Florin & Trent

Uncle Jim & Craig

Darica & Alisha

Then there was the Euchre!

I think Jim & Wes liked their hand!!

....And Golf was fun

Look who won the Euchre Tourney!!

Joanne took Gold (peanut brittle..the only thing we could find "gold-ish")

Jim took Silver (cookie tin lid)

Tyler took Bronze and Jordan took last!

Watching the ball drop in Jim & Renee's room

We took over the restaurant the next morning

(sorry this is kind of blurry)

Starting out the New Year all together...

We have had lots of fun getting together each year . 

We have soooo many fun memories of these trips!

I looked back over some of the pictures ...Here's what I found!

during a talent show..guzzling water!

kids in the pool! 

a little friendly competition!

nothing says "I love you" like arm wrestling! 

and who wouldn't let the kids box? (maybe not the best idea) 

this is what you see the next morning after "boxing"

Grandparents & Grand kids spending time together!! 

Playing games together! 

...and cuteness!!!

Man circle 

FFF night!

playing in the pool! 

cards by the pool! 

We have had some fun years together!!! A personal thank you for all that have participated over the years and made such fond memories for me and my family!

A Michigan Love Story....

 So it begins like this....

My niece Hannah, from California, fell in love with a Michigan guy..go figure!

They were both summer interns at Styker Corp in CA!

Not only is he from Michigan, he attended UofM...which made her dad, a UofM grad himself, one happy guy! (and he knew how to play euchre) ...And not only is Eric from Michigan, he's a Yooper! 

He grew up in St Ignace.

He was a shoe in, if you ask me!

Eric, Kyle (his brother) and their sister, Nicole have/are playing for UofM.  So, while Tod & Julie were here from CA.we were privileged to go see Nicole play at the Crilser Arena!

Here we are having lunch at a deli near the UofM campus.

Trent is a M fan!

Here he is in all his glory!

Troy, Trent & I

(Steve had intended to make the trek but got sick at the last minute)

Uncle Tod & Trent proudly wearing their M shirts!

(I think I see a tear in his eye..he got a little choked up entering the Arena)

the new board

waiting for the game to start

that's Nicole..with the white headband!

when they announced her name....they put her picture up

in action!

Tod & Julie getting ready for tip off!

the happy couple

Hannah & Eric

the sisters...in their non-traditional pink M shirts

On the floor!

enjoying the moment with Trent!

the Rexford, Hendersons, Buckners + Lurinda (Tod's sister)

Nicole signing autographs after the game.  She is so sweet!

Eric, Kyle & Nicole + Hannah...she needs to get a little higher!

that's better Hannah!

A special Thanks to Nicole for getting us the tickets!

We had a great time together!  The Elmblads are a wonderful family! Hannah is a very lucky girl to be a part of their family (coming in August) and they are lucky to get such a great gal!  

We can't wait to see you all again in August at the wedding! 

Christmas Take 2....

We opened presents at our house...

at around 10:30 we headed over Dad & Linda's

here are the boys Christmas morning!

the parents 

the opening... 

the Beardo!! 

At Dad & Linda's we had to have a photo op! 

So you might be wondering why we are all dressed alike....good question!

The Henderson's have a family tradition of wearing matching sleep pants....so because they were here from California..we all wanted to match them!  It was so fun!  

Hannah & Eric wore theirs in St Ignace..... Joel & Carissa wore theirs in Oregon! and we all wore ours in Michigan!!

the Buckner's

Grandpa & Grandma with the Grand kids! 

the attempt at a "Jump" picture

we actually have a picture of us "in air"..but if isn't on my camera..

so I will have to get it from Tod (hint hint!)

the sisters "jump" picture  

We got Dad & Linda a new mailbox 

with their name hand painted on it 

Trent & Uncle Tod modeling their Michigan shirts!! 

Christmas dinner...ham, garlic mashed potatoes, Karen's fruit salad, sweet potatoes 

and Grandma Marian made it! 

Tyler and Alisha 

Playing Golf! 

We had a wonderful time together...it's rare that we get to spend a holiday together, so it was extra special this year!!!  We made so many wonderful memories that we will hold close to our heart!

♥