Christmas Cheer for All to Hear

Once again, we have been blessed with a wonderful Christmas.

Even though we have been married for three Christmas seasons, this is the first year we got a tree. It was so much fun to have more holiday cheer in the house. Luckily the animals did not think that it was indoor plumbing!
We had my folks over for Christmas Eve dinner (seafood!) and went to my brother's house for Christmas Day (more food!). My brother and father enjoyed the lack political correctness of The Onion's Atlas for most of the afternoon. It was nice to be around family for the holiday. Joshua was able to go to Seattle a few weeks ago to enjoy some time with his family. He had a great time ... although none of it was documented because Joshua did not bring the camera with him (no photos, bummer). Unfortunately, I did not tag along this year so that I could afford to go to Arizona mid-month to see Erica, Greg and their newest family member. Moreover, we are planning a week-long vacation to Elk Lake in Oregon with the entire Chisholm/Fujimoto family this upcoming summer.

The day after Christmas, Joshua and I enjoyed one of the many wonderful gifts Joshua gave me: ICE SKATING in Philadelphia on the Delaware Waterfront! I love skating ... and Joshua is getting more used to it. (He's always such a good sport and a quick learner.)On Saturday, we drove up to Schroon Lake (or as Joshua calls it, Schroot Farms) in New York's Adirondacks for some snowshoeing with the dog.

Simon loves the snow more than anything and is enjoying our long daily hikes. He is such a good pup -- hiking off-leash, wearing lots of silly clothing (mainly a bright yellow "horse blanket" that helps us to see him in the snow and also booties that protect his feet), and riding patiently in the car while we look for trail heads.

We haven't had a non-visiting vacation since our honeymoon so this was a much-needed trip for us to recharge, reconnect and remember what trees look like. It has been wonderful.