For Auld Lang Syne

Happy New Year! Our blog post title does not totally correspond with this post, but I have always loved that song since we played it in high school marching band, so the title will simply act as a little shout out to that great poem penned by Robert Burns.

Michael finished his finals (thank heavens!) on December 19th and we were airborne on the morning of the 21st -- bound for the winter wonderland that is the Twin Cities. Of course, this year, it was a balmy 55 degrees, without a drop of precipitation, but generally Minnesota is a frigid place, hospitable only to reindeer, polar bears, and a couple million brave Minnesotans. We had a great time in Minnesota with Sarah's family. It was wonderful to be at home during the holidays with loved ones.

We brought the camera!...but did not take many pictures. So here are a couple that we do have.

 

Sarah's cousins from Wisconsin (the Andersons) visited for a day and a half, which was quite the treat for us. A tradition we have is to gather around the piano and sing Christmas songs, each picking our favorite (except when Sarah's mom vetoes certain selections! I guess we've done it for so long she has had her fill of certain carols. It's become a bit of a joke now.). 

 Lucas (Kristin and Taylor's 19 month old) was the only grandchild at Christmas this year and we often made him the center of attention. He is pretty cute and can sing an impressive Gloria rendition. But he only likes to sing solo and impromptu, nothing on command. It is always fun to have kids at Christmas!

Ready for church on Christmas day!

 We were treated very, very well this Christmas with more presents than we could count. Michael's parents sent a huge package to Minnesota with yummy Christmas goodies and generous presents. The peanut butter balls and rice crispy teddy bears were a huge hit, as anticipated! We feel so blessed to have such loving families that are so thoughtful towards us.

We flew back to Boston after Christmas (also to find it quite warm) and have enjoyed spending the remaining break together. We haven't done too much as Sarah has been a bit under the weather, but we did make it out to Concord on New Year's Eve for a nice, reflective walk around Walden Pond and the surrounding sites.

Michael had a thoreau-ly good time with New England's favorite transcendentalist.

 Walden Pond

Didn't capture the rocks skipping very well, but just know, Michael is very good at this Robertson Family tradition. This video is dedicated to Pa Robertson :)

And WE went to the woods to see why HE went to the woods. Good thing we found this placard.

We wish each of you a wonderful 2012. We look back with grateful hearts at the blessings that overflowed for us during 2011 and the loving friends and family that made and make our lives so rich.