Grateful Break

Two weeks ago we left Velsignet to spend Thanksgiving in Saint Paul, our home away from home.  While we are on break from the boat, Brad--the harbor master in Chattanooga, is watching over Velsignet.  Andrew, a boat mechanic, is in the process of repairing the heating/cooling system.  An electrician will take a look at the boat's electrical system.  In addition, Mirella--who reupholstered the cushions in the flybridge--is making improvements for us.  We are thankful for the time and talents of these people!

How did you spend your Thanksgiving?  We enjoyed the day at the Stillwater home of Ron and Susan Stow, parents of our son-in-law, Jared.  Ron and Susan have warmly invited us to join in their family holidays on several occassions.  It's fun for us to catch-up with them, their children, and see how their 12 grandchildren--4 of whom are also our grandchildren--have grown.  Something especially meaningful was when we all gathered in Ron and Susan's livingroom prior to Thanksgiving grace, and Ron shared with the quiet intent audience how they are descendants from pilgrims (by the name of Stow) who came to the United States in the mid-1600s.  These early pilgrims also gave thanks.  In fact, one of the early pilgrim Stow daughters was named "Thanksgiving!"

Coming back to Minnesota for Thanksgiving has allowed us to enjoy time with the Brolsmas in Indianapolis, the Stows in Stillwater, brunch with Joy and Dave Johnson of Bemidj, lunch with Jodi and Danny Bryant of Long Lake, and a morning with South Dakotans Joyce and Brian Kaatz--including Todd and Jane Hashbarger and their young family from California.  We've had good times with Jordan, Jared and the grandkids, and appreciated catching up via phone/facetime with Allison, Brent and girls; friend Renee Rongen; Mike's sister, Carol; Brenda's brother, Bret; friend Guy Falskow; and each of our parents.  We are grateful!

Mike is in Seattle this week for business (enjoying dinners with Todd and Jane Summerfelt, as well as Brenda's Uncle Dale) and returns to Saint Paul this evening.  Our plans are to celebrate another birthday (Jared's) tomorrow, then depart for Indianapolis on Saturday.  After that....Chattanooga, here we come!

Here we are with our grandchildren Claudia (15); Killian (13); Owen (10) and Astri (7).  Killian--the tall guy next to Mike--competed with Grandma Brenda a year ago for "who is taller?"  In less than 12 months, he went back to back with his Grandpa Mike.  OUCH!!

This is Jane and Todd Hashbarger with their cherubs, Harper and little Laird Dennis.

Joyce and Brian Kaatz taught us a new game called "Cross Cribbage."  As so often happens when Mike and Brenda compete in games, Brenda was the leader until the finale and Mike won the game.  Next time!

Saint Paul is aglow for the holidays.  This is what we saw as we walked home to the condo after attending the musical play "Marie and Rosetta."

Here's Brenda with our granddaughter Claudia.

We were here to celebrate Killian's 13th birthday.  This guy's good looks is equal to his kind and fun personality.

Sitting around the Stow table is a party!  The serious faces you see are as they are each intent on the amount of ice cream and strawberries being served on each plate!

The benefits of being a grandparent:  Notes from grandchildren. 
(I don't know why this photo doesn't show horizontally as it should be.)