It sure is looking like Christmas at Delores and Rick Riekenas' home at 6528 Madison at the top of South Hill.

Delores said they didn't decorate as much this year because of her husband's work schedule. New to this year's display are Christmas trees that play holiday music. The Riekenas invite residents to stop and listen while viewing their display of lights.

"We try to do something different every year," Delores said.

She does it for the children and to keep up with her mother's tradition of decorating for the holidays. It takes the Riekenas one to two weeks to put up the display, which is operated on several timers. Delores estimates they have invested $3,000 to $4,000 in Christmas decorations.

While Christmas is her thing, decorating for Halloween is Rick's thing. This year's Halloween decorations rivaled the couple's Christmas display.

"We had about 700 kids that came here for Halloween," Delores said.

Cindy Simmons captured her 18-month-old grandson, Jack Simmons, underneath the Christmas tree watching the Polar Express at her Naples home. Cindy took a picture of the toddler, which she submitted to The Herald. It appears on today's front page.

Jack's grandfather is Clay Simmons. Jack's parents are Jason and Amy Simmons of Naples.

Brad Buerge recently took a two-week trip to Ithaca, Mich., where he grew up and went to high school. It was his first time back in 11 years.

Brad visited his twin brother, Jody. He also visited with Tom MacDonald, publisher of the Cratiot County Herald. Brad used to write for The Herald.

Marty and Teresa Becker; their son, Lex; their daughter Mikkel Shannon and her husband, Pat; Teresa's brother Rockey Burkholder; and Teresa's mom, Valdie Burkholder recently took a one-week trip to the Caribbean.

"It was so beautiful," Rockey said.

They went scuba diving, snorkeling and sightseeing, and stayed in a beautiful home.

Spreading the Word is about the people of Boundary County. If you've gone on a vacation, have a wedding planned, are moving or anything else you'd like to share, call Gwen Albers at 267-5521 or send an e-mail to galbers@cdapress.com.