If you are reading this...

...then you haven't given up on me...THANK YOU! This post is going to be a 3 month re-cap so I can get up to date once and for all. Bear with me as I travel back in time.

One of the highlights of our Christmas in Minnesota was getting to finally meet Baby Victor, son of Chris' sister Jen and her husband Jamie. We were so anxious to meet him and he wasted no time "Christening Chris" with a leaky diaper!!!

Such a happy and easy going little guy. I guess when you are #4 it's best to just go with the flow!

Big brother James celebrated a true Maras Christmas as he unwrapped his gift....classy!

One of Tony's favorite gifts...too bad they don't work in reverse!

At last a shot of all 6 Maras grandchildren...John and Nancy' pride and joy! We sure do love getting to see all the kids together.

Celia was a VERY good girl and Santa brought her the coolest gift ever...

...and also the oddest "pseudo" pet which was cute and kind of freaky at the same time.

Gramma Sally made Baby Skubic this adorable quilt for his/her nursery.

We enjoyed our new tradition of heading out to Aysta's beautiful home in Pike in the afternoon on Christmas day.

I just love this picture of Celia and Audrey all bundled up. The colors just POP against the snow.

You can take the Maras' out of Minnesota, but you can't take the Minnesota out of the Maras'!

As we made our way back to Nebraska we stopped for the night at Joanna and Tim's beautiful home in Canyon. We were all thrilled to watch the deer that hang out in their back yard.

Tony was just happy as could be to sit and pet our friend Rigby.

Back on the road we headed for the Skubic's and a much anticipated visit to the Mall of America.

Thank goodness for dads, as moms don't like to get wet!

Tony, Chris and Livie actually made it to midnight. Celia did her best. Happy New Year!

We finally got some snow with a blizzard in early February. Good planning on Mother Nature's part as it happened on a weekend. No snow days for the kids this year!

And we FINALLY got to meet BABY JACK SKUBIC in February as well. We made a trip back up to Erin's to visit this little guy who was born January 17th.

The big kids had fun making Valentine cookies...

...and just being together. Our sweet little Celia has turned out to be a wonderful big sister - as we knew she would be!

"Hi there Livie! Did you know that when I'm 13 you'll be 26?" WHAT?!?!?!??!?!?! We won't even mention how old Auntie Jo and Uncle Chris will be.

Four of Gramma Sally and Papa Jacks little darlings. The other 2 are always missed and in our hearts every day.

Whose HIS daddy?

So, now we're back home and I wanted to share Tony's Valentine box for school. We always subscribe to the philosophy of "use what you have" and Tony didn't disappoint once again!

Tony's Lego Robotics Team made it to the State Competition at the Strategic Air Command Museum in Ashland this past weekend. First of all, if you have any interest in airplanes you must try to visit this place. Amazing collection. Second of all, how COOL is it to get your picture taken with the GOVERNOR!!??

Our team the "GEARHEADS" did amazing and went home with a trophy for "Best Display of Gracious Professionalism" because of their sportsmanship, enthusiasm and overall exhibiting all the Core Values of the First Lego League. There Robot also came in 2nd place out of 48 teams...good job guys!

So there you have it. That's all I've got. Life is busy here in Nebraska, but we're all happy and healthy. Olivia registers for HIGH SCHOOL classes on Friday and on the 6th we embark on another road trip to Texas. Chris and I are anxious to show the kids our old stompin' grounds and to visit my parents who are enjoying a couple months away from winter.

Stay tuned...