CHRISTMAS LETTER ...

Happy end of 2006 and hello to 2007. Since I am cluttering up the internet with my babbles, I must as well write a Christmas (yes, I said Christmas) letter for those who wish to read -no extra paper required!

The year probably began with Kristen's graduation from Michigan State with a BA in Advertising last December. She was busily texting and photographing herself looking bored throughout the unfortunate address from an obscure anthropologist (which actually would be the definition of anthropology - ancient, obscure). But Kristen realized later as the names were being read "this was a very big deal and she was proud of her 4 1/2 years of hard work". Actually so are we!

She then surprised us with the news in February that her love had asked her to marry him before the end of the year. Actually she wanted to elope to Vegas immediately. We gently suggested (some would say browbeat) that it would be a wonderful opportunity to have a great party for family and friends and she agreed to hold off the nuptials until September! As we pointed out that she was blowing through her inheritance in one year her rebuttal was she was trying to save us some money. We opted for the party.

A wild ride for six months, but it was a wonderful event and all who attended said they had never had so much fun at a wedding. Her answers to Pastor's questions rang out in such pure joy everyone in the church chuckled. The chaste kiss her groom bestowed upon her was a total "AHHHH" moment. Now we have a wonderful new son as a result of it all named Matthew. It was marvelous to see family and friends that we had not been with for a while. Another special coincidence; Kristen and Matt's wedding took place on September 9, 2006 exactly 35 years and 5 days after Burt's and my wedding.

Burt's folks spent their usual half year in Florida so Hercil could practice his golf game and Jean could entertain her many guests from snowland. Hercil also celebrated his 80th birthday in September with a family luncheon. My folks are enjoying the beautiful condo they share with my Sweet sister, Saint Marcie, and had their share of ups and downs with plenty of family events sprinkled in. Also there were those occasional trips to Mt Pleasant where Mama keeps Daddy in a new pair of shoes due to her luck on the machines!

The condo is known as the "Party House" due to its large living area and we all make use of it whenever we can. I think we are lucky that we can get together so often as a family and our birthday parties are legendary for the practical and silly gifts & cards we exchange. Dad of course is the chief "kid".

We lost Burt's Aunt Lil this past year and our dear friend Shirley McLennan.
Overall it was a year filled with the usual fun, drama, sadness and joy. May your holidays and coming year bring you everything you wish for and a few delightful surprises! Burt & Sheila