We took advantage of some warmer weather to take Benjamin out on the lake to try out his new ice skates - he did pretty good for the 1st time! Can't say the same for Jessica, she was a little nervous when we drove her out to the middle of the lake!

On Ice!

Jingle all the way!

It does seem like we went over the river and through the woods this year! After dodging a winter storm here in Minnesota, we flew to Chicago for Christmas, we visited a few favorite local venues in Chicago and then enjoyed a nice quiet evening at the Coopers sharing their Christmas Eve traditional dinner of Chinese takeout. Christmas morning, after picking up mom at the airport, we trekked to the Murphy's for the family holiday dinner. They totally outdid themselves with dinner serving turkey, beef tenderloin and all the trimmings. Unfortunately, a few of our favorite people were missing this year, the Bayolas stayed in Hawaii with Aunt Arlene joining them, but we did have the company of Kelly & Mike!




Then on New Years Eve, we drove to the Schmitts for our Christmas celebration. I was a little under the weather with a nasty cold, but was able to go along with Ed and Benjamin to see the "Princess and the Frog" while Mom and Dad went on a date. New Years Day we opened tons of gifts and then spent the rest of the day just goofing around, watching movies, eating, playing games, eating and just chilling. It was the most relaxed Christmas in a long time!

Now it's back to reality and winter - today it's going to be a high of -6!