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2007 Noland Christmas Letter
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2006 Noland Christmas Letter
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2005 Noland Christmas Letter
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2004 Noland Christmas Letter
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2007 Noland Christmas Letter
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In January Jenny and I dashed off to Hawaii for a ten-day vacation. According to timeanddate.com Hawaii is 3,966 miles from the Twin Cities. A direct flight will take you about eight hours, depending on head winds. If you have to stop in Portland and eat “world famous” chili from a nacho tray, it will take you about three years, or at least feel that way.
To be honest, Hawaii was a bit of a mystery to me. Jenny had been there as a teenager so she did most of the planning. And true to form, everything was perfect. We spent two days in Oahu and then headed to the Big Island, or as they call it Hawaii. It’s actually not really that big, as we took our time and drove around it in just a few days. But what a beautiful place. Our favorite stops were sipping Kona Coffee at the Coffee Shack and staying in a “bed and breakfast” in Hilo. Before leaving for the mainland we took a two propeller plane to Maui.
Everyone recommends a visit to the Haleakala in Maui. It’s just a short twenty-two mile drive up a windy mountain side. For most people this is relaxing, but when the driver suffers from severe motion sickness and the passenger is twelve weeks pregnant, the joy ride can turn nightmarish. Throw in an “out of order” bathroom and you have a recipe for divorce. Luckily we made it and once we got to the top the views were gorgeous.
In April Jenny and I celebrated the marriage of our youngest brother (in-law), Michael, and our new sister-in-law, Elizabeth. Like all Rohrer parties this one produced many highlights.
In May we took the obligatory trip to my parent’s boat, Summer Snow. While the weather didn’t cooperate like in years past, we had a great time together. If you get a chance to visit the North Shore of Wisconsin, stop to visit Bev and Jerry. Then have them take you to Timeless Timbers in Ashland where you can see how they harvest fallen trees from the bottom of the lake.
So, what else happen this year? We had a baby boy! McDonald Jerald Noland IV was born at 11:59 PM, on August 2nd, 2007. McDonald’s have a propensity of naming kids and then calling them something else. My grandfather and father went by Max and Jerry, respectively. Of course I go by Macky or Mac, and now IV is referred to as Cam.
As usual, Jenny was much more prepared for a baby than I. I figured they were just like having a new puppy. I was wrong. When Cam was born, an emotion I’ve never felt came over me. Jenny, in a soft sweet voice, was asking me to tell her how beautiful he looked. But my voice was taken away and replaced by two tears. I can’t explain it any better than that. Having a child is the most incredible experience I have ever had and I can’t wait for the next one.
The rest of the summer was spent changing diapers, washing cloths, recharging batteries, making bottles, taking naps (all three of us), and assembling everything from cribs to bouncing chairs to exersaucers.
In September, the Noland family gathered in Hayward for a family reunion and Grandma Polly’s ninety-second birthday. Everyone is doing great and it was so much fun to have us all together. In November we celebrated Roger’s retirement and lamented Dianne’s freedom (now that Roger is home all day). Once again, those Rohrers know how to party.
Brock’s in his third year with Thomson as a Senior Software Engineer. Jessica took a new teaching position at Paideia Academy in Apple Valley (just a few miles from our home) while Patrick is in his third-year at Tesseract in Eagan. Grandma Dee is, as she would put it, “oh doing just fine.” She’s still got her motherly touch and does a great job watching Cam. Jerry has taken a one-year assignment, where among other things, he’s assisting nursing students kill mannequins. Bev is busy as ever at Good Samaritan as a social worker. She helps families and patients transition into long-term care.
On Jenny’s side; Todd and Shelly are expecting their second child. Another boy (Nathan is their first), which interesting enough will probably be in the same graduating class as Cam. Brad and Chandra are keeping busy chasing after their three children, Sam, Griffin, and Ella. Of course, Michael and Elizabeth are happy newly weds. Roger is loving retirement, and Dianne loves to keep him busy. Virginia is doing great as well. She’s quite a competitor at the Rohrer poker nights and not afraid to tell you, more than once, when she wins.
Jenny will be starting her tenth year at Thomson and I’ll be starting my eighth. I’m in my third-year of graduate school at the University of Minnesota and now that Cam is here, it’s looking like I might be on the five (or six) year plan. That’s alright though, as I really don’t mind being the old man on campus.
There are so many other things I could share with you, but it’s getting late and this letter is getting long enough. Jenny, Cam and I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,
Mac, Jenny, and Cam
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2006 Noland Christmas Letter
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The year started out with Lutsen Mountain ski trip,
Where Mac showed fellow snowboards an abnormal back flip.
A weekend up north is such a jewel,
We even enjoyed the outdoor swimming pool.
In February the great Toby Keith came to town,
We certainly enjoyed the country ho down.
As the days got colder and Mac lost his window scraper,
Jenny got us ready for a spring trip while Mac finished an accounting paper.
In the spring we headed off for a Las Vegas adventure,
Where the casinos provided a relaxing thirst quencher.
While Mac did his best to avoid a crap out,
Jenny enjoyed the “penny” slots and won with no doubt.
June provided the annual Noland sailing trip,
Where we took over Bayfield and tried to act hip.
We enjoyed the entire time including our talking,
This year we tried Kayaking instead of our walking.
July took us out West for a Rohrer celebration,
To Wyoming we went by way of every other gas station.
It was great for the family to get caught up and introduced,
We even headed off to Cheyenne where cowboys are produced.
August brought us together for our three year celebration,
Our married times continue to prosper and that’s no elaboration.
The month ended up with a trip to the state fair,
Where you can eat and drink as much as you dare.
In the fall Mac took a trip to Baltimore for the Twins,
They sure were fun to watch this year with fewer losses than wins.
In October we headed back up north to enjoy a birthday by the lake,
Where Mac bought dinner so he didn’t have to bake.
November brought great weather and a couple Thomson turkey birds,
Jenny got us ready for Christmas while Mac typed these simple words.
The Nolands and Rohrers continue on with successes off the charts,
A special note to our grandmothers who are always in our hearts.
As we end this note with a little Christmas cheer,
Jenny wishes you all well while Mac raises his beer.
May the season bring you happiness and a small Christmas toy,
Have a great holiday season and throw in some joy!
Love,
Mac and Jenny
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2005 Noland Christmas Letter
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Esteemed family and friends,
The Noland III esquires wish you a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year! 2005 was filled with a plethora of excitement and joy for our family. Due to the physical limitations of a one-page Christmas letter, we’ll do our best to share the highlights.
After weathering the early 2005 Minnesota winter, we took flight to warmer climates with the Rohrer family. Cancun Mexico was our destination. Jenny and I found sipping cold cocktails, reading books, and site seeing was something we really enjoyed and were pretty good at. Unfortunately such a life-style is hard to financially endure so we proceeded back to Minnesota and found spring flowers blooming.
In July, Jenny and I put our marriage to its ultimate challenge and headed off for an eight day road trip out west. Our initial travels led us to the Corn Palace, Mount Rushmore, and Deadwood South Dakota. After a sip of cold water at Wall Drug and a large cash donation to the local Deadwood gambling establishments, we headed into beautiful Wyoming. There we visited the rodeo capital of the world, Cody, and spent two days chasing grizzly bears and bison in Yellowstone. While two days of sleeping on a volcano (Note: Yellowstone is setting on top of one of the world’s largest active volcanoes) is not a lot of time, we did get to see the non-Metamucil educed “Old Faithful” and numerous other geo-thermo mysteries.
July led to August where we celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary with a weekend of camping. On Labor Day weekend we took a trip up to Cornucopia, Wisconsin to spend time with my parents and sail boat “Summer Snow” on Lake Gitchigumi. The seas and weather made for a joyous sail and a beautiful bike ride on Madeline Island with the family.
September continued with a new addition as we welcomed Nathan Rohrer to the family. Nathan is our brother (in-law) and sister-in-law Todd and Shelly’s’ first child. While Nathan was celebrating his birthday, we helped Grandma Polly celebrate her 90th. A weekend celebration with the extended Noland family brought us all together for numerous stories and laughter. Grandma Polly’s youthfulness inspires us all, and we’re so lucky to have her.
September ended with a surprise as the Gregorian calendar aged me at 10,958 days (30 years * 365 days + 8 leap year days). More surprising than my abnormally good golf game that morning was the surprise birthday party my lovely wife threw me. The effervescent party was a hit and I owe Jenny big time for all her hard work.
Fall and early winter brought a change in the weather and a change at Thomson – Findlaw for Jenny. Recognized as a true leader in her department, Jenny was promoted to a project lead. Jenny’s promotion is well deserved and she welcomes the new challenges.
Next thing you know it’s December 1st and I find myself done with my first semester of school at the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Business. The rest of December brings us four weddings with the pinnacle being our brother (in-law) and sister-in-law Patrick and Jessica’s wedding on the 17th. We’re so happy for them! The rest of the Noland and Rohrer cronies are all doing great. Jenny and I look forward to spending this holiday season with them.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sincerely, Mac and Jen
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2004 Noland Christmas Letter
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Dear Friends and Family,
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through our house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even that mouse…
The stockings were hung by our new couch with care,
In hopes my new golf driver, soon would be there.
Jenny was nestled all snug in our bed,
With visions of the new Tiffany’s, dancing in her head.
And me in my underwear, reading a new book,
Felt a touch of hunger, wishing I could cook.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
Jenny sprang from our bed to see what was the matter.
As we watched a car flying through, our lawn like a flash,
We thought to ourselves, “I hope they don’t crash.”
With the moon on the breast of new tire tracks,
The police can’t do much with evidence that lacks.
We dismissed the incident without much a fight,
But in the back of our minds, we wish them an erroneous check engine light…
I just finished up with a shinny new degree,
And looking at a MBA, saying, “That’s next for me.”
Jenny’s been very supportive, and so understanding,
She’s even helped me a bit, to keep academics in good standing.
Jenny’s been at West now for near seven years,
And feels herself more and more, in need for after work beers.
I’m not far behind working on year five,
I think I’ll stay awhile, for I like the short drive.
Before we new it, here came August eighth,
Off we went to celebrate, our new wedding faith.
We headed back up north, where we spent our first nights,
Our relationship continues to grow, grow to new heights.
Mom and Dad Noland and Mom and Dad Rohrer are having a ball,
Noland’s still in Hayward, Rohrer’s still in South St. Paul.
Grandma Polly, Grandma Kryzer, Grandma Dee are all auspicious,
To us and our family, they all are so very precious.
As we end this dialog, before I run out of pressed wood,
We wish you an effusion of happiness, and a year full of good.
I hear Jenny exclaim, “Put an end to this ruckus, and turn out the light”
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
Love,
Mac and Jenny
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| © Copyright Mac Noland 2008
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