The Griswold....uhh I mean Lavoie Family Christmas

Well, it was another incredible day in the great white north. Once again, we were welcomed by a wonderful breakfast from Grandma. It is such a blessing to have time in the morning to enjoy a cup of coffee and just visit with my family. After our tummies were full and we were bundled up for the cold (it snowed about 2 inches last night), it was off to the Williams home for the afternoon.

The Williams' usually select and cut down their own Christmas tree each year. They were thoughtful enough this year to wait for us to arrive so we could all participate. The tree lot was straight out of a movie - including the slow freezing process of climbing through the snow to find just the perfect tree (little full, lot of sap.......). Practically the entire clan joined in - Ken, me, the twins, Kathy, Katie, John, Steven, and Justin. The kids loved climbing the hill and periodically sinking down to their waist in the white powder stuff. How awesome to top the hill only to look out on the sun kissing the mountains - it's truly breathtaking scenery.

Clark Griswold (aka my husband) did the honor of cutting down the spruce only to watch the tree sprout legs of its own to head back down the hill (apparently they do that up here :). After strapping it in the truck bed (roots not included), we headed back home and adorned the tree with lights while the kids and I decorated a gingerbread train.

Then it was off to the ice skating rink for a private party. Once again I am amazed at this family. The boys take off on the ice, even John at age 7, and all of them skate better than I could ever hope to achieve. Even little Katie was out on the ice with Mommy. I managed to stay on my own two feet the entire time. I was very proud of the twins - they both took off on the ice by themselves (with the aid of the training bar) and Gabriel really started taking off towards the end. Daddy enjoyed wisking them up and send them seemingly soaring around the rink. If you've never seen Ken skate, you need to come to the Lexington Ice Rink sometime - I think it's mezmorizing to watch his agility on a sheet of ice!

We enjoyed dinner back at the farm compliments of Grandma and the twins once again partook in the ritual 8 pm milking of the cow. Indoor hockey games for the boys and dress up for Katie and Zoe dominated the evening. There is never a quiet or dull moment in that home, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

It's hard to believe Christmas Eve is almost upon us. I hope that everyone back home is enjoying a little R&R, and that you too are taking moments to soak in time with loved ones - it is the greatest gift you can both give and receive.

Much love,

Tiffaney and family