Category: Family & Friends

Stupid uncle tricks

At Mike and Anne’s housewarming/birthday party this evening, Nick spent a little time trying to convince Ronan there was a monster under the sofa. In the mean time, I couldn’t get enough of Ronan’s socks which say “VROOM” on the bottom. How adorable is that?!

The Face of Winter Training

Christmas in the New Year

Many people wait until the new year to send their holiday greetings, and since you’re still getting Christmas cards, maybe these pictures of our holiday celebrations aren’t too late.

The day was our usual whirlwind of family gatherings, starting at my parents’ house. We were lucky to have Brian and Sarah home from Williamsburg. This would be the last time we saw them, though, since they were headed to Minnesota next to spend some time with Sarah’s family.

Our usual xc ski excursion was thwarted, since Stevens Pass decided not to open their Nordic center. (There were about 20 cars worth of lost revenue in the parking lot though.) Not wanting to spend $90 on a few hours of downhill skiing, we opted to go snowshoeing. Lanham Lake was perhaps a bit ambitious, but we gave it a go anyway.

Fresh snow reached past our knees; thankfully a troop of people had beaten down a path for us already. We wouldn’t have gotten as far otherwise.

With a little holiday exercise under our belts we headed to the cabin only to find the parking lot at Yodelin deserted. Apparently, we were to park across the street so the plows could work their magic at 5 a.m. the next morning. Not a problem…

After a round of hot drinks, Wii bowling, and present opening, we trekked across the street for drinks and appetizers at Beth & Bill’s cabin.

Ronan is big enough this year to actively distract everyone

With tummy’s full of Beth’s delicious Cranberry Bliss champagne we walked back to the Melton refuge for a lavish spread of ham, sweet potatoes, broccoli salad, scalloped potatoes, jello salad, crescent rolls, and, of course, pie. The evening was more subdued than in year’s past with lots of talk of when people were leaving. A huge storm was dumping snow outside and folks were worried about whether they’d be able to get home that night or early the next day.

Nick, not having to go anywhere, set a fine example of frivolity, however.

Of course, the next morning we faced the consequences. It took us about 20 minutes to dig Scooby out from under the snow before heading to Leavenworth for the best xc skiing we’ve had there - ever.

Tamale Feast

Our good friends Charlie and Mary host an annual (semi-annual?) tamale feast. It’s a great excuse for friends to get together, play with food, and drink a lot of sangria. As you can imagine, hand making tamales to feed 40 people is a group effort. Helpers arrived at 4 p.m., and the tamales started piling up, ready for steaming.

Cries of “more masa please!” sent Mary back to the kitchen.

Samwise kept the guests entertained.

Not a big fan of kisses

Anne and Mike invited the Browns, Meltons, Nick and me over for dinner last night. It was an especially gracious gesture considering they are trying to sell their house, and keeping it immaculately clean is of utmost importance.

Ronan was the center of attention, as usual. At the tender age of 15 months, he demonstrated mad wrestling skillz. I think Mike is down for the count in this match.

“Uncle Nick” enjoys playing with Ronan, too. I’m just not sure the feelings are mutual, yet.