Christmas

We decided to enjoy family time at home for Christmas, traveling to Britain seemed too much-too quick after our nutty fall  

Weather has continued mild, we had a lot of rain before Christmas

Leif and George (my bear from childhood)

King-salmon fishing the week before Christmas.  Tides were soo high we were able to launch from the workshop!

Sun at 3:30 p.m.

We needed a tree "Peter sized"

A Christmas tree expedition behind the house.. in rain gear...

Andrew came round to help decorate

23rd December.. a sunny walk with good friends up the ski hill

An impromptu cookie decorating party

Dustin joined Josh and Kevin on Christmas Eve to pull crab pots.  Thanks Josh!

I love this photo... Leif examining his tummy pre-crab!

We had a sociable christmas eve with a party followed by church, and then hunkered down for a quiet family Christmas.  Presents, naps, and a family adventure up to the secret meadows. 

Leif carried his balloon the whole way!

Christmas day balance beam

The lagoon bridge welcomes us each day

Boxing Day

In keeping with British tradition we had a family outdoor adventure on Boxing Day, the Pipeline Lakes Trail. It was sunny and we ended up meeting more than 10 friends over the course of the loop.  Really festive and fun. 

Peter cooked us mac and cheese en route

Good weather and family adventures continued the next day  

Things were frozen and hard, and we were able to explore the Scott River drainage.  

This may have been my favorite family Cordova outing so far... open spaces, sun, and everyone had incredible energy.  Leif took a long nap in the stroller on the way out, while Peter  ran and ran.  We covered ground quickly, and made it about 4 miles up river before daylight forced us to turn around.  Sorry... lots of photos, but the winter light was incredible and it was the most magical outing. 

Picnic at our turn-around spot

Leif woke up, and walked/played en route for a while

Seal impersonation, or maybe sign language for "it's time to go home"

Long shadows and amazing light as the sun went down

Peter catching a ride for the last mile or so

Trying to rescue Peter's ball back at the car.  

We just made it before dark (4 p.m.)

The next day Dustin and Brad skated at Sheridan glacier

And, to cap off our week... friends took the boys for a morning while Dustin and I had a solo hike up to Crater Lake.  Such a treat.  It's winter up there!

It's been an amazing week; lots of time together and with good friends, great weather, good sleeps, and some wonderful adventures and exercise.  Much needed. We all feel recharged and more rested.  

Now it's time to start packing... I'm taking both boys to England next week...solo

Dustin braved doing passport photos with the boys today... ready for passport application.

"Don't smile, Peter!"