Mexico in January

Last month Kim and I traveled down to Playa del Carmen in Mexico.  Kim's parents had rented a place down there for the month and we were excited to join them in the fun for part of the time.  Some of Kim's family from Minnesota were also there and we enjoyed hanging out with them as well.  It was a good mix of adventure and relaxation, and the weather sure beat Chicago's during January. 

At Xcaret Eco-Park with Kim's Parents.  This was a cool park with Mayan Ruins, shows, a nice beach and many exotic animals. 

Having dessert in Playa del Carmen.  There were many neat stores...some with humorous signs.

Snorkeling by our condo.  This area was an inlet with a fresh water spring and the brackish water contained some really neat species of fish.

Petting a sting ray.  

Special thanks to all those who made it possible by watching Lucy and Lila. That includes Doug and Susie VG, Kristin and Eric, and Mary. Not to forget those who watched dogs and pet fish as well. 

Blizzard of 2011

Well, we made it through the "Great Blizzard" just fine with some stress and some funny stories.  Mostly from when we lost power and heat for the night and next morning of the blizzard.  That made for a dark, quiet, and cold night but kudos to the power company for braving the elements to get it working the next morning.  We were all a bit amazed by the amount of snow and the drifts. 

Here we took the girls on a sledding ride to gaze in wonder at the piles of snow.

Of course, we all became a bit stir crazy after a while and the girls had a blast being goofy and playing.  Here we caught Lila Bird after she found Kim's lipstick.   

Can you say....?

Sorry it's been a while with the blog posts; there are a number in the works.  For now, here's a video of little Lila bird with some of her new words. 

Minnesota Trip

After Christmas we took the girls to Minnesota to visit with Kim's family.  We all stayed with her cousin Gina who was a wonderful host.  All the cousins were there and the kids had a blast as well.  After our party we spent some time with Kim's friend Jenna before flying home.  It was a great and memorable time.  

Kim and her sister Kristin also enjoyed a thrilling snowmobile ride. 

All the cousins together with Grandpa Irv

Lucy loved the plane ride. 

Christmas Nativity

Kim's Mom had a wonderful idea to put together a nativity for the family on Christmas Eve.  Like any Pederson event, we went all out and had a blast!  Kim's Mom made costumes for all the kids.  Milo was a Shepherd, Lila was an Angel, and Lucy was Mary.  There was even a script to follow.  It was a ton of fun and a meaningful moment for all of us. 

For some of us our "costume" really meant "bathrobe in pajamas with a napkin on top," but who's critiquing?

The next day the kids made gingerbread projects.  Here's the result...

Lila Bird didn't quite get why we play with food and not eat it.  It all tasted so good.

Christmas Part 1

We had a fantastic Christmas celebration with family, fun, and festivities.  We started Christmas Eve at our own place doing crafts and fun projects with Lucy and Lila and opening some presents.  From there we went to church and worshiped with Kim's parents and sister's family (Kristin, Eric, and Milo).  From there we took the short drive to Kim's parents place, with more fun with the kids.  Once the kids were down for the night the six of us (Steve, Kathy, Kristin, Eric, Kim and I) exchanged gifts and kind words.
Kim's family has a great tradition of the "gift of words" where we take time to affirm those we love. 

After a wonderful Christmas day breakfast, we all headed to Kristin and Eric's for a wonderful holiday dinner.  It truly was a memorable holiday, although we missed being with my family in Washington. 

Lucy and Milo loved their new horns.  It's amazing sometimes how the most simple gift can be so much fun.

Merry Christmas Everyone!