Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve - as we prepared our meal, we watched the fireworks in Australia and London. Bob had to don a coat and snow boots to grill our steaks! The temperature was dropping rapidly, so we opted to remain at home and not see the famous pinecone drop at midnight. After a nice meal, some fun games, and family time, most of us fell asleep long before the clock struck midnight. We had toasted through several time zones, so the new year was not neglected.

Noah is the reigning champion

Tinkering

Lukas and Noah received a box full of old electrical components hailing from their Uncle Ben's workshop. Although unfamiliar in shape and size, they figured out the purpose for some of these pieces right away. Once back home, Lukas had to see if he could get the limit switch to work. Here is in at his desk doing what he loves best - tinkering.

Better than Ice

Why use ice when there are icicles?

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Getting to Know Our Town

We were gifted a puzzle for Christmas. With the wrappings gone, it was time to break it out. Noah quickly assembled the frame - that was easy. The remainder, on the other hand, required great patience and attention to detail. We are becoming very familiar with the intricacies of our town — what a fun gift.

Christmas # 2

One of the benefits of traveling for Christmas is that there is Christmas number two waiting at home. Sunday afternoon, we gathered around the tree with hot drinks, and while listening to Christmas music, we opened more gifts. Since it was bitterly cold outside, Noah really enjoyed his Blue Wizzard costume. He did change into a red shirt for some photo ops since he realized everyone else was wearing red.

What's in the box?

This!

Lukas enjoyed fooling his brother...

The family gift being put to use

Home

The further west we drove, the more snow we saw. Arizona greeted us with sun and snow - a pleasant break from New Mexico rain and sleet. It felt as if we were almost home when we could see 'our' mountain, yet we had quite a ways to go - the tall mountains and the flat landscape is deceptive. Noah took the wheels for the last bit of the trip and pulled into our shoveled driveway. What a blessing our neighbors are.

Heading West

All good things have to come to an end, even Christmas. It is time to head west and back to Flagstaff. We did not encounter any snow, but some severe fog. Fortunately, we had already reached our planned stop when the visibility reached almost zero.
Gone were the silver platters, garnish, and crystal glasses - it is back to reality. Fortunately,  our cooler was filled with tasty leftovers, so our tastebuds could remain on vacation.

The Day After

The day after Christmas... Sitting around, looking at old photos, munching, drinking, painting, catching up, and preparing yet another delicious meal - could the day after Christmas be any better than this?

Jason gets extra help from his beer, and yes, Noah baked more cookies!

Christmas Day

Christmas morning was a leisurely affair. After a delicious breakfast, it was time to open stockings. Joel's attention and care made everyone oh and ah over their stocking stuffers. We refilled our mugs of hot drinks before it was time to divide the spoils under the tree. With no little kids who anxiously tear into packages, we marveled over each gift to each person. It was almost nap time by the time the last gift was unwrapped, which was also the largest box, nestled in behind the tree.

Christmas Dinner was a feast for all the sense - ham, standing rib roast, salmon, roasted vegetables, salad, trifle, cookies, sweets, and of course, fantastic wines. And this, after a spread of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

A truly memorable and enjoyable Christmas celebrated with friends and family. Peace on Earth and Good Will to Man.

Joel modeling his new gear - hoodie and tie - nice combo

Noah aka Blue Wizzard

everyone look this way....

let's try that again,,,

Merry Christmas!

The packages are stacked under the trees; the stockings are hung on the fireplace; Christmas Eve church service, and finally the reading of "T'was the Night Before Christmas."  Everything is ready. Merry Christmas!