We began our Christmas with a violently sharp Christmas tree that we got here in Ohio. Stratton got to the point that he wouldn't put ornaments that had fallen off back on because it was "too pokey" and it drew blood from me on more than one occasion. But, we wanted one that would discourage Dashell from getting in to too much trouble, and it certainly made him keep his distance. Next year, we aren't going to get such a prickly tree- it takes all the fun out of decorating! The month of December was a busy one for us with Brigg preparing for Boards and all the other events that go with holiday celebration. In fact, one day we got so caught up in everything else that was going on that we forgot about our tickets to the Country Lights in Kirtland and missed it entirely! I didn't even realize it until the next day and I was MAD at myself. But, in reality, it probably wouldn't have been too fun that day because we were all running a little thin, so maybe it was all for the best after all. And will teach me to make my life simpler in December next year! After Brigg took his boards, we flew to Alaska for 2 weeks and it was heaven.
This is a picture of Brigg and me with my brother and two of my nephews, Chandy and Graham on a quick little overnight snowmachine trip we took in to the White Mountains. Can you guess who is who? If it helps, Brigg told me I was sporting an 80s vibe. We had the best time while we were there. I hadn't been home to Alaska in the winter for almost 10 years, and I LOVED it. It felt more like home than when I have visited during the spring and summer, probably because winter is how I remember life there! We went snowmachining, to the hot springs, dog mushing, cross country skiing, and did as much as we possibly could. There just wasn't time for everything! We atill had a pretty good list of things we would like to do when we left. Usually, I am always ready to come home after vacation, but not this time. It felt way too short! There was just too much to do and too much good company!
The boys did great while we were there. This is Stratton all suited up to go dog mushing at -30 F. Who says that cold weather isn't kid-friendly? They both loved their grandparents and all the attention. And I loved having someone else to help provide all the attention. My family also has alot of Christmas season birthdays, so we were able to celebrate Dashell's 1st birthday and his cousins Graham and Nelsons birthdays too. And we were thinking of my other brother on his birthday and the day his new daughter was born while we were there,too!
This is a picture of Stratton and me and my brother and his kids dog mushing. Just take my word for it, we are there under all the layers! We have had such a hard time coming back to real life in Cleveland, although the snow has helped. I think that I just have a little snow in my blood. I love it. It makes everything so much more beautiful and more fun. Stratton has gotten over his aversion to cold and is playing outside all the time since we have been back, and Dashell is trying to convince us that he didn't turn 1, he turned 3 just like his brother. I cannot believe how quickly this past year has gone, and I am so grateful to have a charming one year old boy on this end instead of being enormous and waiting for a baby like last year. Dashell has brought so much joy to our home and makes us a better family. We love him and his funny little personality. He is talking up a storm. My mom says that his vocabulary is Mom, Dad, uh-oh, bye bye and a whole string of swearing. When he gets mad, he can really tell you off. But most days he is happy and charming and so fun you forget that he could ever have a temper. I am so glad that my mom and dad got to see him at this fun age before he can start causing real, deliberate trouble. So, now we are back to Cleveland, and for the boys and me, this will be the long haul. We won't leave again until we really leave. I cannot believe that 4 years have gone by so fast. I don't think that I would recognize Brigg and I moving here without any kids, all our belongings in 1 small trailer anymore. I wish everything would still fit in 1 small trailer, but I don't think that we will be so lucky this time around! We had a beautiful Christmas and are sad for it to be over, but now we are looking ahead to the uphill climb ahead of us. Happy New Year!
