Trollhaugen Ski Trip

We headed out from Waterbrooke on Friday evening in a school bus this year! One of our church members drives one in Chaska, and we were able to rent it for the weekend - it was great to be able to have all the kids together. James (one of our youth leaders) even slept in the bus Saturday night to save the kids from his snoring - what a guy!
We stayed at Skonewood retreat Center near St. Croix Falls. This little chapel is on the grounds - there are only 4 little pews inside. It looks a lot bigger from far away.

I got up early Saturday morning and went for a walk down to the lake. It was a beautiful day for skiing - we didn't even need to zip up the jacket!


We played crazy feet games - The Fabulous Foot Frenzy! The theme was "Walk the Talk" and all the games had something to do with feet, socks, shoes ... yep, even some stinky, smelly ones.


We watched some crazy DVDs, like America's Dumbest Criminals, Tim Conway in Dorf, Princess Bride, some goofy BBC Car show, and Mask. I mostly dozed, except Tim Conway as a really short guy teaching golf.
We slept on the floor - some of the inflatable mattresses are really something these days. I used one of the foamy green pads.

It's a good thing she didn't have a nightmare and sit up in her sleep!

Some of us skied, and some snowboarded - for the first time!

Evan tried to emulate Shaun White in the half pipe.


Can you fix my binding?


A great group of kids, a great time on the slopes, and a great weekend developing relationships with each other and the Lord!

Christmas Extended

Well, since the Caseys and Catlins were too wimpy to drive to Cannon Falls on Christmas Day, we rescheduled for Sunday, January 10 instead. We headed down after church, and brought the traditional spinach balls for an appetizer. Kyle and Teddy devoured them quite quickly once we finally arrived.

We had plenty of fun watching the boys and football at the same time.

Jane and Jenna spent their time checking out baby car seats online. I couldn't believe there were that many options! Of course, Jane also spent plenty of time in the kitchen making a great meal of Italian pork loin and pasta. We all contributed a variety of other goodies, and enjoyed it immensely!

The big boys and the little boys suited up and headed out to the neighbor's hill for some sledding.

They had a little trouble walking with all those clothes on. Luckily, Corey and Teddy had longer legs. I watched from the deck and took pictures through the glass - forgot my boots, darn!

They started a snowball fight after several runs down the hill. Watch out, Matthew!

Talk about rosey cheeks! Aren't they cute?

We let the boys open presents first, and there was something for Baby Held as well. Then we had fun with the dice game and white elephant gifts for the rest of us. There were a few things that were constantly trading owners, but in the end, a good time was had by all.

Matthew and Maddox thought we were all pretty crazy.

Thanks, cousin!
Who needs a TV when you have little boys to entertain you?
They may entertain us, but we definitely have to find ways to keep them busy. Good idea, Teddy, but it won't last for long. Soon someone else will take a turn playing with them up in Phebe's room.

Now here's a great concept - start him out early! The form looks good already. Maybe some lessons next summer? Watch out, Paul, Maddox will soon be taking you on!

A Very Merry Casey Christmas

We were excited to host a wonderful Casey gathering on Wednesday the 23rd at our palatial estate. I wasn't sure we could fit everyone in, but Alison assured me it could be done, so the invites went out.


See? We did it! Everyone hung out upstairs where the appetizers were ...










... and then headed downstairs for the main course.

There was one more card table, so all 18 fit in one room.

Drew provided dinner music and after dinner music and before dinner music and ... more. Beautifully done, Drew!

After dinner we hung out, played some carrom and Wii - a 100 year old game and our hi tech new game - both super fun. Tessa, Christie and Brenner caught up on what's happening in their lives these days.


The cousins enjoy each others company - Drew and Callen.


Brothers and wives.
Getting ready for the annual white elephant gift exchange.

Anna hands out the numbers in Santa's hat.

Roger and Elaine get the guest of honor chairs - right by the Christmas tree.

Ok, Bob - will you keep it or trade?

I'm sure you want to keep that, right Roger? No? You'd rather have the leopard seat cushions?


Downstairs Leslee, Callen and Brenner check out the Christmas lights while I get Wii lessons in bowling. STRIKE on my first turn!
We always take a girl cousins picture on Christmas.

We missed Annie, Ryan and our newest Casey - Scarlet - who is only two weeks old, and a bit small to travel in the Winter Wonderland we had this year. We missed Tyler, too, who had to work late and then the roads were just a mess by the time he got off. Casey and Dian were in California, and more cousins, Sue and Bob ...?

We pray for a wonderful New Year for all who read this - look for our New Year's letter coming soon to a mail box near you!

Waterbrooke Christmas Cross Talk

We had a very busy weekend before Christmas. Saturday morning we practiced with 35 kids for the Sunday School Christmas Program at Waterbrooke. Karen Kowalke wrote the program, and I directed all the music. The kids did an AWESOME job.
We didn't even need to use the canned voices on the songs this year to add volume - the kids did it all themselves!
We added a few teens to the cast - this is "Joe and Mary Carpenter" the winners of a night at the Starlight Stall Inn - there was no room at any of the posh hotels.
"Marcia Suet and her sister Decorah" demonstrate holiday decorating tips.
Taylor Switch and host Opal Windy from the popular TV show - "Christmas Cross Talk" share their views on what Christmas REALLY means. Maybe you'll be able to watch the program on YOU Tube soon!

A Double Dose of Thanksgiving

We had a real blessing on Thanksgiving - we got to eat it twice in one day! Ted and Teddy carved the bird over at Ted and Pat's around 1:30. We spent the first two hours munching on snacks and playing with Matthew and Maddox, so we were ready for the main course.

Matthew got to open a late birthday gift from us - and I really thought he would enjoy the 3 little fishies more than the gift! Those musical cards are a hit with little boys!

He DID like the DVD that had musical videos where every song had his name in it. In fact, he watched it twice after Maddox left, and fell asleep in the process.

We missed Jenna and Andy who were in Pennsylvania, but they sent a representative - their 6 month old puppy Cooper! Jane and Chuck were puppy-sitting, and had to bring him along. He loved Ted and Pat's back yard.

Matthew and Maddox became best buddies and we all enjoyed watching them entertain us.


It was really a boys club day - Jane, Pat and I were the only females, since Angie was sick and Heidi didn't make it either. The guys watched football, of course, and Matthew and Maddox were in and out. Maddox really like Matthew's motorized 4 wheeler, and they played with the animals from Madagascar all day.


Then we were off to Phil and Leslee's for the Casey dinner. Alison and Callen helped out in the kitchen. I wonder if Matthew and Maddox will be as good friends as Alison and her cousins?

Grandpa Roger enjoys hanging out with the grandchildren - Tessa, Alison, and Brenner. We didn't have the whole crew - maybe at Casey Christmas at our house! It will be a squeeze, but I do have the day of the 23rd off, so I'll have all day to get ready:)


Callen's cat, Ed, enjoyed the day, too. He's lucky he didn't get shut up inside that thing.


We ate our second meal around 6:00, and I am proud to say, I DIDN'T over eat. However, I have been exercising every day since!