Guilford, CT January 2011

There seems to be no end to the beautiful snow in CT this year!

The big boulders in Larry & Jodi's front yard are mere bumps under the snow...

The snow piles up in the drive way after the 4th major storm this month...Larry picked a perfect time to be on crutches for 2 months!
) :

"Making snow angels is a great pastime on our 5th snow day for this month!"

"Normal" for Guilford is no snow, as they are close to the sound.

The snow flies!

What a dazzling sight!
I remember what it looked like last year after only one storm!

We wish we were there...........it is magnificent!

Love, Granny & Pa

Meatball Plus Reunion at the Reichardt's - December 26, 2010

Once upon a time there were only 6 Meatballs who traveled to Italy!

The Meatballs, now the Meatballs Plus, have grown to a large group with children and grandchildren!

David Frantonious and Jason Christensen started kindergarten together at age 5.
Look at them now!

Jodi Christensen and Carey Frantonious also became friends when the Frantonious' moved into our neighborhood.

Jodi Backes had her first child Connor and Carey Tramel had her first child Bella in 2000!
Now they are both 10 years old.

Jeremy 6 and Lucas 4.

Lucas Tramel was born on Jodi's birthday November 29, 2006.

Jim, Jim, Drew, Joe and Dave

Jason, Julie, Bonnie and Mr. Pete

Jaki, Darlene & Bonny

Darlene showing us her albums from her trips to Africa. She is going back again this summer.

Amazing stories!

Bonnie Reichardt RN, Oliva and Christen....these kids love Bonnie!!! You might guess she works at Children's Hospital in Chicago!

Denise and family live in CO and were the only missing Meatballs. Gary was present but must have avoided the camera......sorry Gary!

Miss Darlene

Mr. Pete appeared in his Santa hat as usual, but his full beard was missing this year.

Miss Maureen was a wonderful hostess!!

Mr. Jim was a wonderful host and taught our grandkids his favorite monolog, just like he taught our kids in the good ole days! Thanks Jim!

Suddenly everyone appeared at the window to watch Mr. Reichardt set off some fireworks. They were awesome!

It is the first time we have celebrated our anniversary with fireworks!

It took 45 years for that coincidence to happen. I believe Mr. Reichardt always treats his guests to fireworks. ( :

THANK YOU JIM AND MAUREEN FOR HOSTING A WONDERFUL REUNION!!

Christmas in Illinois - 2010

Gladelig Jul!!

We came from coast to coast and our entire family was together at the Berggren's in Huntley.

Our 5 Grandchildren!
Connor, Christen, Jeremy, Gavin & Oliva

Christen, Connor, Nick, Karen, Larry and Jodi
(the year of Larry's foot surgery)

Woops!

Same family........

Jaki, Jeremy & Jeff

Jason, Julie, Olivia & Gavin

Our traditional dance around the Christmas tree!

Singing Nu har vi jul igen means it is soon time to open gifts!

Connor James & Jeremy James

A Lego Christmas!

Christen Lyn and Josephina!

Jeremy and his new DS

Olivia loved her new fairy wings from Santa!

Olivia Mary

Pink Legos!

Gavin Arthur

Nothing better than a book!

Unless it is a Lego Firetruck!

Christen & Pa

A tune by Connor!

Lots of fun was had by all!

And a blessing that we could all be together once again!