This holiday was a busy one, and in some ways we learned a lot about what we most like - and I am pretty sure it includes being here at home. We started it out simply and cut a tree down in our backyard. It saved time, money, and it was a charming tree. There was lots of space between the branches, it was small and fit nicely in our house. The tree was growing near the chicken coop and crowding out 2 other trees that were all competing for space. Anna solved that problem. The boys carried it in. Everyone helped to decorate, and this year the boys spent extra time placing the ornaments; we have a lot of feathered bird friends for our tree and animals remain a favorite toy of the boys. We then hung stockings, baked cookies, and made many of our gifts this year. Anna and the boys created wooden peg leapfrog games, and the boys and I made clay word magnets.
The holiday began to rev up as we first traveled to the Catskills for Christmas to be with Anna's family. We spent four days there and celebrated in fun Swedish style. The kids hiked, swam, bowled and played a ton of games with their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. We had our traditional Swedish smorgasbord followed by about two hours of gift exchange. It was a slow and lovely Christmas eve this year and the boys were amazing throughout. Claes, Lea and I also worked hard on creating a family Christmas video.
The weather was warm in the Catskills, while back at home it was icing everywhere.
We ended our time with Anna's family on Christmas morning, when we awoke before sunrise to carefully head back home and spend it with my family. The long icy drive back ended with stockings full and presents from Santa Claus. Anna and I were a wee bit tired at this point, yet we managed to make an absolutely delicious meal of slow roasted venison with figs, roasted vegetables, and a delicious dessert of peppermint ice cream with dark chocolate fudge and crushed candy cane. Serious bliss in the food department. We shared this second Christmas meal with my parents, sister and family.
In part three, (yes there was a part three!) of our holiday week we drove up to the Von Trapp Family Lodge. The Von Trapp Family Lodge is pretty much an amazing place...totally set up for families with children. The beauty of the ski trails, the mountains, and the facilities are remarkable, and we were happy to spend two days with our good friend Cathy.
And now it's the eve of New Year's eve and I have a minute to capture the holiday before the next arrives. I am not even sure what we are doing tomorrow night, but I know it will be low key and hopefully quiet. I am ready to welcome 2014 with candlelight -maybe even at home.
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