A Big Bear New Year's

Thankfully this New Year's we snagged the cabin! Harley, I and some close friends headed up to Big Bear to bring in the new year. We didn't get any fresh snow, but there was snow and it was crisp =)



We enjoyed a day of sledding and snow ball fights. I must say, I do enjoy sledding down a good hill crashing into a few bushes! I wasn't the only one crashing into things. And boy-o-boy did we all bomb on Ema!!! Luckily, she had a shield to protect herself ;p




Once we got the child out of us, we headed back and sat by the nice warm fire. Of course, with some nice warm drinks ;p The evenings were so much fun, as we would play some poker or a good board game. Just to be there and know you can relax and have a good time with some friends is a great way to bring in the new year.




New Year's Eve.....there was a nice surprise, Jay had given Michelle a promise ring!! That was already a great start to their New Year! Unfortunately for me, I came down with a cold :( I was so congested that I wasn't much fun. I did however, stay up until midnight. My hubby and I toasted to a New Year and gave each other the traditional New Year kiss!!

This year we toasted to new beginnings, good health, great friends, and an amazing family! Harley and I hope that this year brings you all nothing but good things. May the stress that was apond your hearts be lifted away with the start of a new year!!

Christmas

I always love this time of year!!! Despite the crowed malls, the horrible traffic, the fact that you hardly hear or see Merry Christmas, there are many pleasant events that go on in winter. Such as, Cheerful faces, singing carols, the smell of fresh baked goods, and the bringing together of families.

This year went smoothly for both Harley and I. As always, Christmas Eve is at Grandma Judy and Grandpa John's house. It was my Uncle David, Aunt Liz, cousin Tiffanie, her friend Shawn, Karen, Jennifer, Erik, Tyler, and of course the Grandparents. We had a really nice time there. As always, Tyler was overloaded on gifts from everyone!



From the Grandparents we headed to my Daddy's. I couldn't miss midnight mass with my mom and brother ;p We woke up there on Christmas morning and to my surprise... there really is a Santa!!! hehehehe Harley over did himself this year =) Christmas day the family gathers at Dad's so we didn't have to rush to be anywhere. That was nice!


From Dad's, we headed off to Harley's family. Can you believe we missed dinner at both places!! Teaches us a thing or two about timing these things better ;p Luckily, we were there for pie!! Harley's family is always so much fun. At gatherings we always play a game or two. We opened more gifts and gave more hugs and kisses (my favorite part!) Then back on the road to go home.



Seems to me that you spend more time on the road then actually spending time with your loved ones. Thankfully, my mother understands that!(Or we would have another house to hit) We gather with her after the new year. Harley and I have them over for a nice dinner and either a good hike or something along those lines =)

Our Christmas was blessed this year. Spending time with our loved ones is always a special time. And those that were not here with us, they're always in our hearts and our prayers. We hope that you too, had a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!