Paul Schaefer (sp?): I have a new challenge for you.

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!!!!

I'd have to say our Xmas season has been about as perfect as we can ask for. We started out with a trip up to Clear Lake on the 22nd. We hung out at Grampa and Gramma K's until Xmas eve and then we headed home for our own little family Xmas. We had a nice family dinner, just the four of us on Xmas eve. We had ham, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. The kids scarfed down the ham. The sweet potatoes got mixed results, but Stacey and I love them. The kids then set out cookies and milk for Santa along with carrots and pizza sticks for the reindeer. I don't think I've ever seen Ellen so excited for the entire weekend. She was super fired up to get to Clear Lake and was super fired up for Santa. She was whooped when it was all over.

Shared gift.

Stocking stuffers. Yum!!!

Yeah, I have pictures of them in their cute little Xmas dresses looking all pretty and cute. But to me, for the kids anyways, Xmas is all about maximizing the amount of time spent in pajamas. Regardless, here's a couple with the dresses:

Ellen relaxing with Daddy.

Mara is missing her two front teeth, but that's not all she wants for Xmas.

One thing that I'm definitely missing is snow. I'm one of those folks that's truly a midwesterner at heart. I love the change of seasons for all kinds of reasons. My new bike is built to ride in snow and so far, I've been shutout. But I'm still getting some riding in.

Graffiti under a bridge on a cinder bike path

The Pugs on some singletrack near our house.

Finally, I'd like to close with a new years resolution that made me laugh until beer almost came out of my nose.