Alice Raatz's Family Xmas 2007

Christmas in Oakes was a bit off this year. Without Dad there, there was certainly an element missing that will never be returned.

The time with family is precious. Nathan, Ian and I drove from Lake Park, MN to Oakes to spent a Monday and Tuesday with Mom (Alice) and family. It was Kate's turn to work on Christmas, so she returned home to Buffalo.

My brother Dale and his wife Teri came from Grand Forks as well as their son Francisco. Their daughter Cassandra was home on leave from the Navy along with her (just announced fiance) Craig from Alabama. Craig is also in the Navy USS Iwo Jima.

My sister LuAnn and her husband Steve who live and work in the Oakes area also joined in the festivities.

My niece and nephew Katie and Cody Benzel drove here from Montana to spend time with their grandma's in Oakes while on holiday break from college. They are both doing very well and I am excited to see them happy!

I wish I could have seen Lori and Troy Stark as well as Joe Anderson and his girlfriend Sarah, but time was short for us and we drove back to Buffalo to have Christmas with Kate at home.

Look at the slide show below!

Jerry Spiesz Christmas

It was that time again! Kate, Nathan & Ian and I went to Jerry and Linda Spiesz' on December 21 through 23. Kate drove up on Friday with the boys and I went on Saturday morning. The days were spent talking, eating, opening presents and doing more of the former again. It was nice to see Kris, Deborah and their girls as well as Beth and Christopher. As time goes on, our lives evolve but the connection between us remains strong.

See below for a slide show of the festivities.

Spiesz Family Holiday Gathering

We had fun at the home of Steve and Judy Schwanke in Sartell, MN for a gathering of the Spiesz Family! We had lunch at their home and then proceeded to take photos of everyone. I think this is the first celebration we have had as a whole group for more than 10 years. After the festivities we all adjourned to the local bowling lanes for a bit of a post feast workout. Fun was had by all!

Look below for a slide show of the photos for the event.