Christmas 2024

We've had a few changes over the years...

Here we all were. It was 1992 and the year of our first Christmas letter. Sarah was 11, Christine 8 and Heather 6. Mary and I are not even in our 40s. I'm wearing a 1991 Minnesota Twins World Series Champions tee shirt. Thought it was the beginning of a dynasty...that didn't pan out.

There was just 5 of us, at the time...now it's 23.

So, as you may have guessed, we've had some changes over the years. Here's just a few...

Included in the 23 are seven grandchildren and five great-grands (1 more on the way).

We've picked up 3 son-in-laws over the years. Here's a picture of them; Andy, Shawn and Torey. Shawn is the tall one, that's Andy on his tip toes. They're nice fellows who take good care of our girls. They've never been in the Christmas letter before, I thought it was about time.

We don't call ourselves retirees. Don't much care for that term but are willing to accept all the benefits accorded to people our age, like holding doors open and senior discounts. Mary has attempted retirement a couple of times. Currently, she subs at a nearby elementary school (as long as it doesn't interfere with her twice weekly Mah Jong games with her lady friends). I still seem to find a few good stories to tell and a few good ball games to watch, to include the Sioux Falls Skyforce pro basketball team, the College Baseball World Series in Omaha and an annual trip to the Cities to watch our Twins. Still hoping for that dynasty.

When we get a bit prideful about the growth and accomplishments of our family, we're reminded of the family seen to the right. They began with only 3. Last time I looked, His bunch had grown to approximately 2.3 billion and counting. Appears He's got a good thing going. Hope you do, as well.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Great 2025.

Rick & Mary Lingberg