Ode to Christmas Break

This Christmas vacation was certainly one to be remembered. Perhaps it's because we now have a school-aged child (the big kindergartener!) so we're more in tune once again with the concept of a "Christmas break." Or maybe it's because we stayed in Colorado and enjoyed all the beauty of this season. Perhaps it's because the events of this year have really given us cause to stop and think about what truly is important in life and how we spend our days. Regardless our Christmas break was filled with some wonderful memories (some old, some new), many laughs, and moments that we will treasure for years to come. Here's how we spent our 19 days with the boys off school and 11 days with Dear Ol' Dad at home.

Redefined the art of relaxing ... slept in some mornings and took a few naps along the way.

Rediscovered how early anxious children can arise in the morning, especially on certain ho-ho-holidays and when on ski trips.

Worked hard on house projects like touch-up painting and furniture rearranging.

Worked out with trips to the YMCA, a New Year's Day 5K run, and soccer games.

Played games, like the Lego Indiana Jones video game and sight word bingo.

Played around in the mountains on a "staycation" to Loveland Ski Area.

Enjoyed several get-togethers with our neighbors.

Visited the neighboring town of Pueblo to catch up with a friend.

Tried a new sport -- snowshoeing for Jami, skiing for Luke & Reid.

Sported tiaras and top hats at our New Year's Eve festivities.

Celebrated the engagement of Scott's brother Eric and his fiancee Charity.

Celebrated the birth of Gracyn, our new niece and cousin.

This Christmas break was a wonderful mix of spending time with family and friends (the family we choose for ourselves) ... honoring traditions and trying new things ... and enjoying little moments and major milestones. What a wonderful end to 2009 and a fantastic start to 2010!