I searched high and low for a good family picture. I had two criteria: we all had to be dressed, and we all had to be looking at the camera. The best one I could find was a picture I took on the first day of our summer road trip to South Dakota. I'm behind the wheel, and I know it's the first day of vacation because I'm smiling AND wearing eye liner. Isaac is sitting where he always sits -- in the front passenger seat so he can control the music. Chris is relegated to the backseat per Isaac's request. (If I'm not driving, that's where I sit, too.) Henry is wearing earbuds and playing a video game called Tomodachi Life. And Noah's in the far back, as alone as he can hope to be in a van filled with family, devouring another book series.
This year has been challenging and beautiful and heartbreaking and wonderful.
It's time again for the annual Rouw Family Holiday Quiz.
1. Where did our family go this year?
a) Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa
b) Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells
c) Mt Rushmore & Devils Tower
d) All of the above
2. What surprised us this year?
a) Tyann’s dad passed away in April
b) Tyann’s mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer in October
c) Overwhelming love and support from family & friends
d) All of the above
3. What were Isaac’s 2016 highlights?
a) Participated in UNI Spectrum Project
b) Listened to K98.5 FM 24/7
c) Ate pizza & watched Wheel of Fortune with Grandma Sheldon every Friday night
d) All of the above
4. What did Noah do during the past year?
a) Sang bass at All-State Choir in Ames
b) Attended Dorian Summer Camp at Luther College
c) Was driven crazy by his brothers
d) All of the above
5. What did Chris do during 2016?
a) Surprised Tyann with a trip to New York City
b) Avoided hitting Ben Carson while driving on Main Street
c) Appeared on Iowa Entrepreneur
d) All of the above
6. What were Tyann’s highlights this year?
a) Shook Bill Clinton’s hand in January
b) Was published in The Huffington Post
c) Saw The Color Purple on Broadway
d) All of the above
7. What did Henry do this year?
a) Played flag football for the first time
b) Sang in Opus Honor Choir & was selected as a solo finalist
c) Dabbed & created videos
d) All of the above
8. What do we predict for 2017?
a) Tyann’s hair will turn all gray
b) Chris will be abducted by aliens
c) We’ll celebrate 18 years of marital bliss by watching Wheel of Fortune
d) All of the above
Answer to all questions: d
Perhaps sending our holiday greetings via a blog is tacky, but it's too late now. Thanks to our friend Jon for creating this holiday format. We've stolen his idea for over a decade.
Merry Christmas & Happy 2017!
Chris, Tyann, Isaac, Noah, and Henry
(Click on the photos below to see them in a bigger size.)