It's Christmas - again!

Our kids are so very fortunate! They are able to extend the Christmas season - due to the fact that they get Christmas in two different houses! This year, they were at their dad's for Christmas, so we celebrated a delayed Christmas with them when they returned on Sunday evening! As with any kids, they were so excited and anxious. They kept asking "When are we having Christmas at home?" I think they were hoping to have it before they went to their dad's, but with the weather how it was here, we decided to wait until after (secretly hoping that the roads would not permit us to travel so the kids would then be home for Christmas). And by the looks on Tommy's and Ryan's faces, they weren't very disappointed this year....

Tyler and Wendy were equally as pleased (maybe they were just happy to be back at home)!

He's off to be a missionary....

Two weeks ago, we had the privilege (?) of taking Steve to the MTC. What an experience! The only thing I could think about was I don't know how my parents did that five times over! I also thought of my oldest brother and how fortunate for him that he only had to go through it once (he did take my parents to the MTC, but I would like to think that was completely different)! I think I was so overwhelmed, because I have only had Steve in my house for three and a half years, and it was hard enough; I can't imagine how difficult it is when you raise them from the beginning!

We were able to get one last photo of all the kids before heading to the airport..

Steve's friends went to the airport with us to say goodbye. What a crazy bunch of kids! And since our flight was delayed, they were able to stick around and keep Steve entertained (Monique and I would have just irritated him).

Wednesday morning, you could see the anxiety setting in. It's interesting how much somebody's eyes can actually reveal! Steve really wasn't saying very much, but his eyes spoke volumes - nervousness, excitement, apprehension. Another small blessing - Steve was able to meet up with his friend Adam that was going to BYU! Again, less time for Monique and I to totally irritate him!

And after a very quick and emotion filled hour, we said our goodbyes. We are anxious to hear of Steve's new "adventures" and of the growth and changes that will take place in his life.

Het beste Steve! We love you!

Christmas Decorating help....

Monique has been decorating for Christmas the last couple of days. The excitement is filling the air at the Robinson-Sticht house! It's amazing how many kids offer to help when they see the Christmas stuff brought out! And, just like every year, the kids are told not to touch 'Monique's' tree (she does one tree with Delft's Blue ornaments from Holland). Last night, there was one helper that just wouldn't listen. He was bound and determined to help.......

Scooter must have put in a lot of hard work - he looks exhausted!

We're just wondering how long the tree will actually stay standing (no, this is not Monique's tree! That cat would no longer be living if it was).

Student of the Quarter....

Well, somehow, Wendy has once again managed to buffalo a few of her teachers at school. For some reason, they are under the impression that she is an incredible student and nominated her to be a "Student of the Quarter" at jr. high. We received a letter in the mail a couple of weeks ago advising us of this. We were to "honor" Wendy by going to a breakfast at her school at 6:30 A.M. - (yes, in the wee dark hours of the morning)!

Congratulations Wendy! Job well done! We are proud of you!