The Van Dyk Family: December 2008

Hale sleds solo

We got to do some sledding on Christmas day in Minnesota. Hale even took a few runs by himself!

Hale at the bottom of the hill.

Racing down the hill.

Gaard

Dad tried a head-first run...but the snow was a little too soft and he filled his coat.

Minnesota Christmas Highlights

We were so excited to be able to see our Minnesota relatives this year over Christmas. We almost thought we weren't going to make it because of all the Seattle snow!

Gaard's first gift was a new pair of scissors which he tried to use to open all the rest of his gifts.

Great grandpa and grandma were up from Iowa. It was so great to see them!

Mom: the Swedish chef.

and her Swedish table...

And Swedish decorations...

We got to visit with some relatives from my mom's side. The boys had a great time with their fun-loving uncles!

Kaleb.

G & G with their three great grandsons.

We visited Cabela's, of course.

I got to see two of my Minnesota girlfriends - Brie and Trisha!

Photoshoot with Gaard

It is definitely a challenge to get photos of a 2 1/2 year old. When we asked Gaard about posing for some pictures - we got a worried look and a soft "Ah-doh-wahn-too". Uncle Landon helped distract him a little bit - so we got a few quick shots.

It helped a little bit to let Gaard suggest some ideas for pictures. He really got into the idea of taking pictures on the stairs. This one below is so serious and modelesque it makes me laugh.