HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012 is here! I wish all of you a happy and prosperous new year!
Yesterday, Lynne and I drove back from Valley Center, KS. It was a long trip! But let's go back to the beginning.....
On Friday, 23-DEC-2011, I and the dog girls traveled to Milford, IA to my Dad's house for the start of the Christmas holiday. When we got there, we were met by my sister Trudy and her family and my brother Tim and his family - all up from Texas. Trudy, her daughter Amy, my brother's wife Kellie, and I went out to eat and shop.
On Saturday we were joined by my kids - Marie & her husband Jeff, Geoff & Lynne. Trudy, Amy and I made some holiday treats - guess whats, peanut clusters, and pumpkin spice muffins. The traditional Sherrill Christmas Eve meal of chili & oyster stew was prepared. My sister Tina and her family joined us at Dad's house for the event. 22 people enjoyed soup and card games! We missed having Devin and his family with us. Of course, holidays are harder since Mom passed away. [2009]
Merry Christmas! The crew at Dad's house were guests at Tina and Kevin's house for Christmas morning brunch. We opened some gifts and enjoyed a delicious meal. After returning to Dad's house, we rested and then opened more gifts. Tina and her family joined us for a homemade Christmas dinner prepared by the 'women' of the family. Geoff had to head back to Minneapolis to work in the morning. There were 7 dogs too! [Cricket, Nattie, Maggie, Fergie, Verdel Elvis, Bella & Max - 2 jack russells, 2 golden retrievers, & 3 yorkies]
On 'Boxing Day' [26-DEC] Tim made breakfast for us all. Dad made the Sherrill favorite ham salad for all to enjoy. Marie and Jeff left for Omaha to spend some time with Jeff's family and Lynne headed back to Ames to work. We celebrated Kellie's 40th birthday with cake. [Her b-day was 24-DEC. Happy B-day to Devin, whose birthday is 26-DEC] Later that night we had a 500 card tournament. The final four were Garrett, Dad, Richard, & Trudy. We met Adam's girlfriend, DeBraun.
The trip South: Adam, DeBraun, Addy, Amy and I [plus the dog girls] headed SOUTH. They were headed to Texas and I was headed to Kansas. We picked up Lynne in Ames. Lynne and I arrived at Steve's new house about 10pm that night.
Marie and Jeff joined us on Wednesday, 28-DEC with their dogs Jack & Lucy.
The next day, Steve and I and the kids toured Wichita, KS. We went to the Keeper of the Plains monument and the Museum of World Treasures. We ate the River City Brewery and sampled beers. That night we watched movies and ate pizza!
Marie & Jeff and their dogs headed home to Colorado on Friday. Steve, Lynne and I went shopping at a KS mall. Steve gave me some beautiful diamond earrings. Since it was Steve's & my 33rd wedding anniversary, we went out for supper and to a movie.
We're up to Saturday, 31-DEC. Lynne, I, and the dogs headed North to Iowa. I dropped off Lynne in Ames and finally reached my destination around 10pm.
Well, here it is - 2012. Not much on the agenda - some computer catch up work, email, surfing, etc. I really must clean the house! YUCK!
This day-by-day account must end...
Wishing you all the best!
Love, Theresa