The New Year

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."  Psalm 103:1-5

Praise Him for all His benefits....that all seven of us survived nearly 27 hours of travel, that Elsa did not have one crying outburst on ANY plane ride home, that all our bags arrived in MN when we did, that a wonderful group of family and friends greeted us at the airport, that we have now slept in our own beds for five nights, that we could spend time with family over the New Year's weekend (making up for our absence at Christmas), that Elsa continues to be more and more comfortable at home.  I could go on and on.  Suffice it to say that we are grateful to God for all He has done for our family.

We were able to spend some time with both sides of our family this past weekend.  They were kind enough to relive Christmas for us and we enjoyed sharing Elsa with them.  She is quiet at first, when meeting new people, but it didn't take too long for her to leave my side and be running with the cousins.  I just have to sit back and smile at all she is taking in and doing.  We are all a crazy bunch......she fits right in!

Now, to the daunting task of returning to a work/school schedule while still working on returning to this time zone!  We know that God will faithfully show us through this transition as well.

 Arriving at the airport.

 Family time.