Pokagon State Park

Earlier this week, the extended Sternberg family, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, and most of the cousins and their children gathered at the Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park in Angola, Indiana for a few days of fun and relaxation. It's hard to believe this was our 20th year doing so. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma, as well as to everyone, for another year of wonderful memories.

We gathered as a family to talk, laugh and play lots of games.

Hot Potato!

An intense game of Scrabble, in which Grandma came out the victor.

Skip-Bo Ripple

Laura and Jen played Amanda and Grandma (and Joe) in Hand and Foot.

Claire opened her gift from Great Grandpa and Grandma.

"The Jesus Storybook" will be a great addition to our after dinner devotions.

The whole family gathered for breakfast and sat at one grand table.

...the other side of the table

fun in the pool

The Ping Pong Players

A group of us walked to the Nature Center.

Uncle Mike and Andrew

Claire with second cousin Bria

First stop at the Nature Center - the turtles.

Claire: "Kitty!"

"Ice Skating" on the lake


A Couple Videos...

The Puplis Party

Even after all her Christmas parties, Claire was a bit unsure of what to do with these pretty packages.

Aunt Melissa, though, was right there to help her out. I think she's finally starting to get the hang of it...and certainly enjoying it!

Grandpa, Uncle Al and Debbie watch Claire play with her gift wrap.

A special thank you, also, to Great Grandma Puplis and Grandma Denise for picking out the absolutely adorable Santa Dress for me to wear this year. We couldn't get enough of her in that dress. So Cute!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was wonderful as we enjoyed some family time and opened our Christmas gifts. Sometimes when I look at pictures like these, I am reminded at the priceless gifts I've already been given by the one we celebrate this morning. Thank you Jesus for family.

***

A glimpse at one gift.

A Sternberg Celebration

Thursday evening we gathered with the Sternbergs to celebrate Christmas. What can we say? It's always a "hoot" (We love you mom!).

Uncle Mike helps Claire learn the art of unwrapping presents.

Kelsey brought the kids gifts from Honduras. They were a hit!

And she made some cute and crafty new bibs for Baby.

The girls in their purple pajamas.

...and Andrew, too, of course.

Friday evening, Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Kelsey came with us to Madison's Christmas Eve service. Claire is dressed and ready to go.

We're Bringing it Back...

Christmas Caroling

***

Monday evening, eleven of us gathered with our song sheets to walk our neighborhood in hopes of reviving what has sadly become a lost art -- Christmas Caroling. While we sang to many a door knob, we also found a handful of participants who really seemed grateful for our efforts, and that made it truly worth it.

***

Though we weren't wildly successful, we had a blast.

Claire enjoyed it as well.

Afterwards, we came back to our house for some warm cocoa and cookies.

...and of course, some friendly competition.

Nash Family Christmas

On Sunday, Uncle Ron & Aunt Julie Holtrop hosted the Nash family party.

*

Here we have "great Aunt" Linda giving me a squeeze.

*

Great Grandpa & Grandma Nash love me lots.

*

Grandpa and Grandma Rosen and Aunt Linda are good at making me smile.

*

How fun is this!? Just like Hezekiah. (2 Kings 20:20)

*

I learned Avery likes jumping around as much as I do.

*

At the present time, please allow me to present my present.

*