Leading up to a very merry Christmas....

We traveled to Oregon to celebrate Christmas and family - and lots of baby time.  Flying out of Denver, we before the sun came up, and despite leaving twenty minutes later than planned, we sailed up I-25 with little traffic and arrived in Denver extra early.  So early, even, that we stopped to use the bathroom at Home Depot because nobody was open for lunch yet!  Then with front row parking for the shuttle, we got into the airport and through security without any lines.  It was easier than when we traveled in September. But the highlight of the traveling was leaning over Tom's lap for the amazing view of Mount Hood with a bit of snow - a view that we hadn't seen in a couple years.  (I always reserve seats for a good view...)

Our week was filled with kids and family time, a dusting of snow and some misty weather, much good food - including a date night out at a fancy restaurant with fresh seafood!, a few good movies, multiple games, visits with friends, and a drudgery of allergies set off almost instantly.

We started with a date day - delicious meals out, including some tasty oysters (I never thought I would call them tasty - but they were so fresh), driving around town and getting lost in the west hills, and a trip down Peacock Lane - a lot of Christmas lights on a street crowded with more people than live in our town. 

I got to babysit Hannah while the boys all scattered on Saturday.  We had a fun day of play and enjoyed the company of the Dieringer girls, too.  Evidently The Mouse in the Manger didn't interest Hannah as much as Monica.

 We joined the Greenlees for dinner and games one night.  The boys are so happy at bath time, and Teddy is so animated in the evenings.  He's just such a smiley kid!

We got to visit with the Dorsey clan over waffles and the Remien family at Pat & Amy's before a night of games with Nick and Jen.

Tom and I joined Cole for an amusing game of Trouble - Thomas the Engine style.  Not the same rules we usually play, but Cole showed off his excellent counting skills.  After that game we got to play Sequence with his parents.  It was great to hang out with Nick and Jen.  Poor Drew had a fever and wasn't himself.

A tradition we aren't usually around for is Dad's seafood chowder on New Year's Eve, which he made for Mom's and my feast day instead.  It was mighty delicious, and everyone came over (except feverish Drew) for dinner and games.  Ollie was super thrilled with a dump truck toy Cole brought to pass on.  

What wonderful family - and how blessed we were to be with them and enjoy them for Christmas once again...