Last trip of 2012

After Christmas we took off for some fun in the sun and on the ski trails in WA, and a great visit with Uncle Adam, Payten and Ben.

Every car ride was a party!

 Payen and Kieran had fun skiing together

What fun to ski on fast snow!



Payten and Uncle Max having fun at the trail head.



Skiing across the suspension bridge. Gorgeous!



Looking good boys!

 

 

Trying out the zipline back at the house. We'll need to install one of these at home!



 Outdoor cousins.



20 degrees feels warm after a month at -30.

Piled high sledders.

Thanks Adam, Payten and Ben so much for hosting us and for a super fun visit! We can't wait to come back.


Then it was time to fly east for more family visiting...and more fun. First stop was the farm.
 

It was the first winter visit for Max and Kieran. Not a whole lot happening in the fields this time of year.
 

But it's still lots of fun to explore.

 Checking out the brook. No ice bridge here.

And checking out the new walk-in. Perfect size for a Kieran shower! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Lee for a nice, quiet visit. You both managed to avoid the camera!

 Next stop, Bushka's house, where we were pampered and doted on and generally spoiled rotten.

There was some bird feeder maintenance.

And climbing.

And for Max and Kieran, a winter trip to Westport.

Ocean air + beach combing = happiness.

There's no place like Westport, even in winter.

 

We spent one afternoon walking around (and on) Walden Pond.

Carrying big sticks.

And skipping stones across the ice. 

Lots of walking but we made it all the way around.

And warmed up by the stove in Thoreau's recreated little cabin.

 

Then fed some goats at the egg farm on the way home.

Lemon bars and birthday candles, thanks to Grandma.

Silly cousins...wish we could do this more often!

 

Thanks to everyone for all the walks and talks and togetherness.

 



I love this picture.

 

What we had originally planned as a vacation and post-holiday family visit became much more than that. The unexpected coming together of far flung family and friends made this a trip we will remember always. It was a quiet and peaceful time to be together, to see family and friends we don't see often enough, and say goodbye to beloved family members we will miss dearly.