We started the month by taking a ride on the Christmas train to see Santa. The day was clear and warm and we were joined by Gene’s sisters Christy & Brooke and their four children. The old steam engine was pretty nifty (and loud). I’ll have to take my Dad next time. He’d love it.
The following weekend we trekked up to the woods to fetch our own Christmas tree. This task was much easier with our new used (huge) Chevy Silverado 4x4 full size four-door truck. The thing really is huge and the gas mileage reflects it – oh well. It snowed all weekend except for the few hours we were up on the mountain, which was perfect. We set up camp with about eight other families, made a bonfire, and fired up the camp stoves. We enjoyed lots of chili, hot cocoa, and hot apple cider. There was also a bit of liquid available for the adults to add to their hot beverages. The kids enjoyed sledding and the guys cut down trees for us to take home. Unfortunately Amelia just wasn’t herself the entire day. She didn’t have much fun doing anything and after we got back to town we realized she had a slight fever. Poor kid.
And then the snow hit. Seattle just shut down and there wasn’t a whole lot we could do about it. Nintendo closed its doors for a few days and I worked from home for almost a week. We played outside a bunch and just chilled out.
My sister arrived on Christmas day and it was still snowing. After spending a great day with Glen and Paula and their families, we picked up Heather at the airport. She was able to stay ten days and we had a nice visit. Amelia completely enjoyed playing with her Auntie Heather.
The day after a mellow New Year’s Eve celebration at home, the four of us headed up to Washington’s own Bavarian town. We all enjoyed the sledding in downtown Leavenworth, along with lots of great food and shopping.
A few days later Heather headed back to Fargo and the Lowry’s prepared to return to our pre-Christmas routine. What a busy and memorable December.
Cheers to a new year. Hope it’s a great one for all of you!
