Happy Holidays Indeed

Happy Holidays . . .sounds good. It could also be called super busy, 100 mph, hold on tight holidays as well :)

We didn't really slow down this holiday season but the famiy did have a chance to enjoy the finer points of the various holidays. Thanksgiving was very relaxing and a nice day to hang with the family. We were able to go to Albany for turkey day where Dave and Eileen hosted a great meal that offered a ton of good food and excellent company as well. We dined in the newly finished "bonus" area above their workshop. There was no shortage of room or food for that matter and the day was great - thanks guys!

Because we've been uber busy this year with the selling, and building of houses we opted out of our annual Holiday party this year. There were however no shortage of celebrations as we were able to sych up with friends and family on numerous occasions to share some holiday cheer. We visited Santa for the third year in the row with the Maitlands. It was nice, and Izzy didn't cry for the second year in a row, but her little sister MeMe did, so maybe they're more alike than we think afterall.

On Christmas eve we ventured down to Albany to celebrate and exchange gifts with the family. Everyone was very generous as usual, and it was a great time. I still think Izzy would have a hard time remembering all of the great gifts she got that day as her Grandparents and Uncles were very generous as usual and showered the kids with gifts and love.

A few days later we loaded the 4Runner with kids, loads of gifts and plenty of road snacks, then took off to eastern Oregon. The roads were pretty icy and I was a road weary and glossy eyed when we finally arrived but we made it in one piece. Amelia was not a big fan of the drive but settled back into her normal, happy self once we got to Mom's apartment. During our visit we saw a lot of family. Izzy's cousin Dylan came over for a visit and they played like old friends. Mom was a gracious host and made the visit very enjoyable as usual. Christmas day we headed a little further east and stopped in Nampa at my Aunt and Uncle's home. My cousins, grandparents and several other small second cousins filled the house. It was great to see everyone and I always like our family gatherings.

We were going to keep going east to see my Aunt Judy and Uncle Bob in Twin Falls, but bad weather and even worse roads led to a "game time" decision to head back to Portland rather than risk the drive. Overall a long road trip but still a nice visit.

Once we returned home it was time to start packing - good times. We sold our house and remained very average meeting the 6 month for sale mark . . it's been a slow housing market in case you haven't heard :) In the middle of our packing we were able to enjoy new years. Kari and I pawned off the girls to Grandma and Grandpa and we hit the slopes for an excellent day of snowboarding on new year's eve. Crystal clear, blue skies and plenty of fresh powder resulted in a great day of riding at Mt. Hood Meadows that left us both very happy and a little sore as well.

The next day we went to our friends Lara and Dan's annual New Year's Day party. It was nice to meet some new people and toast the new year with old friends as well.

Now our family is headed into the new year with a lot to look forward to. MeMe is walking, Izzy is changing right before our eyes, a new house is just around the corner, and several other adventures await.

Best of luck to everyone this coming year.