Mom&Dad January 2008

We had such a nice christmas and New Years. When we all drew for parts at the Klundt's Christmas Eve impromtu nativity re-inactment Drew (the elder) and I got the parts of Joseph and Mary. In all the years we've done that I don't think I ever got to be Mary. We had a really nice Christmas Eve at Klundts. They even put a full mattress on the floor of the family room so we could get a good sleep (while guarding the tree and gifts). Drew Sr. slept on the couch next to us so it was all well guarded. The funniest part of Christmas Day was when the kids finally got to the part of the gift opening when they could open the big (I mean REALLY BIG) box in the middle of the floor and we all guessed what we thought it might be. After the kids had gone to bed the night before Drew Sr. and Kevin went down to the neighbors and lugged it home so I knew what it was. Anyway, while we were all guessing I said, "I'll bet it's a trampoline needing to be assembled." I don't remember the other guesses but when the gift---a hugh 50" flat screened TV ---was finally unveiled, Drew (the younger) wailed "What happened to the trampoline?" I guess I was too convincing. While Drew Sr. and Kevin put the thing up on the wall Doug and I went over to the Jon Brinley household to see what Santa brought them. They got one of those programs where you have to do dance steps to keep up (I forget what they're called) and were really excited to see if the "old" folks could keep up. I think I"d like one of those. What a fun way to exercize.
We spent New Year's Eve with Jon and Denise & Co. and had a great time. It is so nice to have them settled (sort of) in their new home after all the trauma of the past couple of months. The brown tones they've chosen make it very warm and cozy and comfortable. We had a "menu" meal (The menu is all numbers and you order by number, not knowing what you're getting.) Katy eventually got the whole meal but never did get order a fork. She finally ordered a knife and had to eat with that. It was fun. We played some games and then watched "Journey of Natty Gann". The kids were determined to stay awake for the midnight fireworks Jon had promised. I think we all made it, even grandma and grandpa.
Dave and Sandy have been making their summer plans and have called a couple of times to see what our reunion dates are. The big deal this year will be the Lindbloom reunion at a camp in Idaho but now I've forgotten if that's over the Fourth of July or the Twenty-Fourth. I have both dates written on my Calendar because Tina was working on either one. I know I've told you kids so remind me, will you? I'm thinking if we have a Brinley reunion it might need to be May 17th when you all come for the marathon. How would that be? Doug and I will be on a trip with the Religion Faculty but are going to try to make our return tickets two days earlier than the rest so we can be there. Doug will retire the next month so we could make this a real celebration. Terri, I think everybody is planning to come then but you. Can you swing it in May or would the July thing work better? What shall we push for? I think the only other possibility is August 2,3,4 (Sat/Sun/Mon). With Sunday in the middle like that it probably means the 2nd or the 4th. I'm really hoping most, if not all, can come up to the camp in Idaho in July.
Here's hoping we all have a wonderful year of 2008. I'm planning on it. Love Mom