December

Before January ends, I must post December pictures. The month began and ended with mild weather. That's why my little baby is running around this tennis court with his pants rolled up and a big 'ole grin on his face. Caleb is big for his age: height and weight. He also loves using his muscles (so cute to hear him say that word), moving big boxes around or rearranging the kitchen chairs. My dad insists he'll be ready to start playing tennis this summer.     

Living near Chicago gives us a chance to catch up with friends who live all over the country. (Thank you, O'Hare airport.) December brought our former neighbor Mac back to us. But it gets better. We got to meet his fiance too. What a catch, friend. What a catch! Also, thank you to the stranger who took our picture. Why didn't you tell us you were a professional?

The mild weather meant a snow-less Christmas in Chicago. Good thing we were heading north to visit our family in Michigan. The U.P. had a storm right before we arrived. Sixteen inches of white, fluffy snow. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. The roads were clear; the landscape, winter wonderland.

Making snow angels with dad.

Testing out his new sled.

Better than the snow in Michigan are the people we get to see. What is evident in this post is that we did not take enough photos of all these lovely people. We spent Christmas Eve with the extended Haske family, catching up with cousins, eating a ridiculous amount of tasty food in a warm house tucked away in the woods. An engagement was announced and celebrated, and we closed the party down - just the way we like it.

Most of our short visit was spent with immediate family. Caleb loves to look at their pictures while we're home, so you can imagine how excited he was to see them in person. We were enjoying the moment so much that we only snapped a few photos. Aunt Dani and Uncle Otto are getting all the love here. Sorry Grandma and Grandpa!  

                   

The hardest part of traveling is keeping this kid in his seat and not entirely miserable. He's at the age where he wants to be on the move - constantly. We tried to time our driving for the hours when he would be sleepiest. It worked best to head out an hour or two before his nap.  He'd entertain himself until he dozed off. Once he woke up, we'd be getting ready to stop for dinner. That gave him a chance to stretch his legs again. Then it was back into the seat and, in an hour or two, down for the count.

Happy baby | Happy mom

Happy wife | Happy life

Thank you, my sweet husband, for doing all the driving and letting me read my book in those precious quiet moments in the car. You deserve a million blog posts about how patient and kind and loyal you are. But I know you're modest, so I will try to gush about you in moderation.