After spending the last five years holidays rushing from to see everyone quickly after flying in from overseas, this Christmas was a welcome break.

Although I can't say the same for the weather. Look at it. And it is only January 8.

But Christmas was relaxing and a great chance to see family and friends. The first half of the holidays we spent more time with Sarah's family and were in Chicago twice. It was fun to have seen most of the people during the last month before the holidays and then have a holiday get together. More an atmosphere of familiarity. On the actual day of Christmas all the parties were already over and we just had a slow day with Sarah's immediate family. Went for a walk in the park and enjoyed fondue for dinner.

Then it was time for the Sybengas. Mom and Dad came in from California and spend the holidays in Michigan. Justin and Kata also drove in from D.C so we had lots of chances to get together.

On the Saturday and Sunday after Christmas we headed to Canada and had two big family parties. One per day with the extended families on both sides of the family. Boy were we stuffed.

After returning from Canada my mom and dad came to stay at our appartment for a few nights. On one of those nights we had Justin and Kata, and Adrian and Jen, and Sarah's sister Rebecca over to our new appartment and it was really nice. We enjoyed some more (like we needed more!!) treats and the guys went to the hocky arena next door and watch the game.

The next night we had an official Sybenga dinner at Adrian and Jen's in Grand Rapids. The best part was that we had free entertainment from Adrian and Jen's new puppy named "Gunner". He is 12 weeks old and a bundle of fun.

The other last highlight of the holidays had to be watching the last installment of the Lord of the Rings. We had both read the book and watch the trailer more than 30 times in anticipation, and we weren't disappointed. It was thrilling. So if you haven't seen it, get out to the theater and see it now. The big screen makes it all that much better. Don't miss it