It’s Grandma Elsie’s turn to host the family’s holiday festivities at Ion, and soon sleigh rides, ice skating, and snowball fights abound at the home place. During this time, the importance of missionary work is impressed deeply upon the minds of young and old. As a result, Harold and Herbert Travilla heed calls to full-time Christian ministry. The new year, however, brings unwelcome visitors to Woodburn. When Lulu is awakened by strange noises, she creeps downstairs, spies two burglars, and locks them inside the strong room, where they were attempting to break into the family safe. Max and Lulu both learn important lessons about courage, humility, and honesty.