My grandma passed away in early October at the age of 96. She would have turned 97 on New Year's Day. Her husband, Max, my grandpa, had passed away in 1997. With both of them gone now, our family gathered at their home after our Thanksgiving meal and we were each able to pick out a few of their things to take as our own.
A butter churner from the farm now sits on our dining room table, adorned with Christmas ornaments.
A plate from Germany where my grandpa grew up hangs on our dining room wall.
A cake plate of my grandma's...
A favorite of many of the grandchildren were our grandparent's famous red handled silverware. So many memories of meals eaten at their home with those silverware. I placed them in a vase on our kitchen windowsill.
The goose that welcomed us to their home as it hung in the kitchen. "Velkomen" in German.
And a plate that held many a Christmas goodie, baked by my grandma herself.
Though they are no longer here, I will cherish them always and be thankful for the family they built. I love you Grandpa and Grandma.
full of lots of surprises,
special moments, 
cousins,
great grandmas,
being home,
relaxing,
playing,
goofing around,
Christmas sweaters,
and lots of love.
is trying lots of poses...
with flash or no flash...
with an ansy dog brought inside just for the photo...
to bring smiles to your family and friends' faces. Merry Christmas everyone! 
A butter churner from the farm now sits on our dining room table, adorned with Christmas ornaments.
A plate from Germany where my grandpa grew up hangs on our dining room wall. 
A cake plate of my grandma's...
A favorite of many of the grandchildren were our grandparent's famous red handled silverware. So many memories of meals eaten at their home with those silverware. I placed them in a vase on our kitchen windowsill.
The goose that welcomed us to their home as it hung in the kitchen. "Velkomen" in German.
And a plate that held many a Christmas goodie, baked by my grandma herself.
Though they are no longer here, I will cherish them always and be thankful for the family they built. I love you Grandpa and Grandma.