Christmas came and went in a blur! I thought I would post some of the highlights of Christmas. On Christmas Eve Mark, myself, Benjamin (my middle child) and his girlfriend Allison took a snowshoe excursion before the annual Christmas Eve gathering at my sister's home. And of course Bode (our grandpuppy!) and BuddyTheElf came along as well. Bode seemed to enjoy the snow very much and enjoyed sticking his head into the snow. We snowshoed through the woods behind our home. A gorgeous day with temps in the 30s.
Bode enjoying the snow! True Maine dog.
And of course, I hoped to find some hearts....first one spotted as I stepped out of the house!
Do you see the heart in this tree? This has to be one of my favorite ones. I was the slowest snowshoer as I was keeping an eye out for hearts. We did cover alot of ground, up over ledges and down small hills, out to the marsh and then back home.
Look! A tiny heart treasure in this small pine.
Spotted this heart right next to where I strapped on my snowshoes.
Then home to warm up and to watch Benjamin and Allison open their gifts. They were delighted to receive a gift of a Sugarloaf gift card, Sugarloaf being Maine's largest ski area. We also threw in the offer to take care of Bode anytime his parents go skiing. Its a win-win situation!
Then later to my sister's home for Christmas Eve festivites with her family, our mom and of course our children. This is a treasured tradition and I think the best part of Christmas.
Bode attended his first Christmas Eve gathering and of course, was a hit!
"Ordered" up early by a 19 year kid, we started Christmas Day off with stockings and gifts with Ashton. Later we drove to the next town over to have the annual Lorrain family Christmas gathering which is the highlight of the day. Mark and his brothers and sister and stepmother have celebrated Christmas with gifts and brunch for many years. It was wonderful to share his sister and brother-in-law's first Christmas in their new home.
BuddyTheElf did not go without a few gifts....this "lunch" was a hit with him. It came with a "hot cross bun", "baked potato", "turkey", "ear of corn" and "rope asparagus". He seems to prefer the potato. He carries it around with him and for the first time, has not torn it all to bits as he usually does with any stuffed toy. Oh and the "plate" is a frisbee. Ashton and Eric bought Buddy, Maple and Miss Bella "meals".
One final photo...wearing the shirts Benjamin brought us back from their trip to Disney World, the week that we had Bode as a guest. The intention was for all of us to wear them with our Christmas pajamas on Christmas morning. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!
Christmas came and went in a blur! I thought I would post some of the highlights of Christmas. On Christmas Eve Mark, myself, Benjamin (my middle child) and his girlfriend Allison took a snowshoe excursion before the annual Christmas Eve gathering at my sister's home. And of course Bode (our grandpuppy!) and BuddyTheElf came along as well. Bode seemed to enjoy the snow very much and enjoyed sticking his head into the snow. We snowshoed through the woods behind our home. A gorgeous day with temps in the 30s. 
Bode enjoying the snow! True Maine dog.
And of course, I hoped to find some hearts....first one spotted as I stepped out of the house!
Do you see the heart in this tree? This has to be one of my favorite ones. I was the slowest snowshoer as I was keeping an eye out for hearts. We did cover alot of ground, up over ledges and down small hills, out to the marsh and then back home. 
Look! A tiny heart treasure in this small pine.
Spotted this heart right next to where I strapped on my snowshoes.
Then home to warm up and to watch Benjamin and Allison open their gifts. They were delighted to receive a gift of a Sugarloaf gift card, Sugarloaf being Maine's largest ski area. We also threw in the offer to take care of Bode anytime his parents go skiing. Its a win-win situation!
Then later to my sister's home for Christmas Eve festivites with her family, our mom and of course our children. This is a treasured tradition and I think the best part of Christmas.
Bode attended his first Christmas Eve gathering and of course, was a hit! 
"Ordered" up early by a 19 year kid, we started Christmas Day off with stockings and gifts with Ashton. Later we drove to the next town over to have the annual Lorrain family Christmas gathering which is the highlight of the day. Mark and his brothers and sister and stepmother have celebrated Christmas with gifts and brunch for many years. It was wonderful to share his sister and brother-in-law's first Christmas in their new home. 
BuddyTheElf did not go without a few gifts....this "lunch" was a hit with him. It came with a "hot cross bun", "baked potato", "turkey", "ear of corn" and "rope asparagus". He seems to prefer the potato. He carries it around with him and for the first time, has not torn it all to bits as he usually does with any stuffed toy. Oh and the "plate" is a frisbee. Ashton and Eric bought Buddy, Maple and Miss Bella "meals". 
One final photo...wearing the shirts Benjamin brought us back from their trip to Disney World, the week that we had Bode as a guest. The intention was for all of us to wear them with our Christmas pajamas on Christmas morning. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!
22 comments:
Looks like you had a very nice Christmas. I enjoyed looking at the pictures.
Thanks for visitng my blog and your kind words.
Have a good day!
I am always in awe of the hearts you find everywhere! What a terrific, gorgeous family photo! There's such love there.
You are so fortunate to have so many loving family members close by. I love the idea of a snow shoe walk before all the indoor festivities begin.
Wow, so cheerful post. And those hearts are awesome. You should shared them at Guest Heart Thursday http://clytie-randomhearts.blogspot.com/
I really enjoyed the post.
Have a warm weekend.
looks like a fun time was had by all including the dogs...happy new year!
Enjoyed seeing your family pictures enjoying Christmas, Happy New Year!..Hugs
Hi Cheryl, Yes---the holidays did pass quickly... Sounds like you and your family had a wonderful season. I love that last picture of you all with your Disney shirts... TOO CUTE.
Happy New Year.
Hugs,
Betsy
Your Christmas was full and fun, Cheryl. Lots of good photos to remember it bt.
good looking family....looks like you had a great Christmas...
Cheryl, what a wonderful Christmas you had! You're so blessed with having a big family. When I was younger, we had Christmases like this. Beautiful pictures of the snowshoeing and the family!
Great Cristmas traditions, Cheryl. I loved the tiny heart treasure you spied in the small pine and your lovely Disney Christmas tee shirt photo!
Beautiful family and snow picturse:)Glad you guys had a wonderful Christmas.Wish all the best to you and your family in 2011!
I did see the hearts! God's Blessings to you all!!!
I always enjoy seeing all the hearts you find, Cheryl, and it looks like your own heart was full with the love of Family at Christmas.
Hi Cheryl...I'm trying to get caught up here..just saw your post and a great one it is!!
Your Disney world outfits portrait is just a hoot and Ashton's hat is just so funny and cute, and I bet she will wear that with confidence anywhere!! Great memories!!
Another year and look at all the hearts you have found all ready...do you keep a count of them..: }}
It certainly looks and sounds as if you had a marvelous Christmas. It's wonderful that you were able to spend quite a bit of time with your family.
I'm amazed at the number of hearts you can find when you are out snowboarding or hiking.
What a beautiful family and wonderful Christmas memories. Thank you for sharing.
Hugs,
Lois
In your pictures, Cheryl, home and outdoors complement each other. Animals (dogs) and humans live together in harmony.
My favorite picture this time is the last one: two couples representing two generations, dressed in green and red, looking happy and lively.
The hat was definitely my favorite gift, I constantly keep getting compliments on it! And yes, Auntie's is the most looked-forward to Christmas tradition.
XOXO,
Tun
I, too, see hearts in nature all the time and am forever taking pictures of them! I also have a Terrier/Miniature Pinscher mix named Max...he's a golden red color, but he looks a lot like BuddyTheElf around the head and eyes. I'm glad I saw your comment on Gary's FB page!
It's very evident you guys had a wonderful Christmas celebration! And yes, those cute snow hearts are always a stealer!
Have a great day Cheryl!
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