We went to Kansas a couple of weeks back so I could work with Judy Miller on our next book. We also got to be with the grandkids and kids to celebrate Christmas. I grew up in Topeka, Kansas and lived there most of my first 40 some years. I enjoyed a couple of years in the Dallas area and the last 9 – almost 10 now in Montana. There’s always something interesting about seeing where you grew up after being away for a while.

Anyway, we got to have some special time with the grandkids and give them their gifts early. Max is going through a zebra stage, so our having found a rocking zebra turned out to be just the thing. Dad might question our sanity since it required – some assembly.

Fox likes transformers and again Dad came to the rescue to help put the toy together.

I remember Jim and I putting a swingset together under cover of darkness with Jim’s dad. Talk about a nightmare.

Rainy is very much a girly girl and enjoyed her presents. There were pretty things for her hair and a princess comforter for her bed, as well as other things. Here she is with Mr. McNibbles the family teacup Yorkie.

All in all we enjoyed ourselves greatly and even managed to get this family photo minus a few much loved members who were elsewhere.

So from our house to yours, I wish you the best of Christmases. I pray that you will draw closer to each other and to the Lord–that you will celebrate His wondrous gift throughout the year, and that 2011 will be a year of incredible blessing to you and yours.

Merry Christmas