Hood River Bliss

Mark and I took the week of the work. We hadn't really planned much, so the Friday before I checked the Best Western in Hood River to see if they had an opening since they take dogs. Amazingly they had a room and it was under 100 dollars. We hit on a jack pot. The hotel has a heated pool and it was like a frat party for kids. We got to go sledding in unbelievable weather, I got to take Mac on a long and lovely hike, and then the next day Frances and Mark got to ski. When we went to pick them up, Mark suggested I use his boots and jacket and ski some runs myself. For the first time ever I am so thankful for my huge feet. I hadn't skied since having kids, even thought it was something we used to do almost every week in the winter pre-kids. SO FUN.

Winter Golfing with Papa

My dad leaves for Sudan, he will be providing medical care, on 12.28 so I think everyone wanted to get in as much time with him as possible. They got a round of golf in...despite the weather and had a blast. Mark got to wear his new golf gear from Santa and felt very jolly.

XMas

We had a very lovely Xmas....minus the kid waking up at 6am with excitement. While I remember that feeling as a kid.....after finally having kids that sleep in....it was a harsh awakening on vacation :) It was a gorgeous day, so Mark and I even got a "present" of taking Mac on a lovely run on Wildwood - my perfect way to spend a holiday.

Probably the funniest gift was Frances REALLY wanted stilts. She practiced all day and by the end of the day had mastered them. Her favorite thing about them....she is now tall enough to "kiss" her parents lips to lips. The girl cracks me up.

Annual Christmas Eve Mass and Friend Family Dinner

We had fourth annual tradition of going to the family mass and then dinner with the Watson and Latzke-Davis family. This year my parents were here. The holidays are always really tough on them, so I was thrilled to have them there. It is so fun to have an annual tradition where the marked growth in our children is so clear. I love our friend-family tradition. We had to take two group shots as we accidentally took the first one while Mark as in the bathroom. Big oops.

Cinnamon Bear Cruise with Oskie

Last year Maggie and Mark went on the Cinnamon Bear cruise and they had so much fun. This year, I got to take her and Oskie and Brookie joined us. It is a classic, old school and full of cheese scene. Brookie and I had so much fun watching how excited and thrilled the kids were seeing all the characters and doing all the fun stuff. The joy on their face, was worth the price for the inedible food :)