The most wonderful time of the year

The most wonderful time of the year was really wonderful this year. We had some family drama leading up to it as we are wont to do, but everything worked out in the end and a great time was had by all. It was the first time Spike and I officially spent Christmas together and he was such a trooper giving up his Christmas Eve celebration with his family so that we could be in the homeland. We had many adventures including...

Visiting Hildene, the Lincoln family home in Manchester, Vermont.  Our docent was full of interesting stories but I was most impressed with the player organ the Lincolns had installed.  I want one for our apartment!

We went bowling with my father for the third year in a row.  Erin got her highest score ever, Dad was annoyingly good as always, Spike went from worst to first, David still spins the ball like he's a magician, and I finally got my first strike ever.  Maybe next year, I'll break 100. 

We built a gorgeous "gingerbread" church.  I was missing the Gingerbread Competition that Spike and I usually compete in, but I think this one would have been a winner.  Who knew that steeples were so hard to decorate?

Erin and I took a winter walk up Maxon Road in the snow.  It had been years since I climbed "our" hill and doing so in the snow on Christmas Eve with my sister was so much fun.  We were huffing and puffing pretty badly, so we were glad to take a break and enjoy the views from the top.

As usual, Aunt Sue and Uncle George made the most delicious spread for Christmas Eve.  There were a ton of goodies and I felt the need to eat them all.  Too bad none of the presents we opened after supplied the elastic waistband I so desperately needed.

When Spike and I left the homeland on Christmas Day, I was feeling a bit sad about not being with my family for the holiday, but the fact that my mother, David, and Erin were coming to Boston the next day definitely helped me pull through.  We had a great time while they were here touring Sam Adams Brewery, going to the movies, and visiting with friends.

Spike and I just took some vacation time for Christmas week 2012, even though we don't know what the plans are.  According to the Mayan Calendar, we won't even be here!  But hopefully we'll have another fun-filled week, enjoying our families and watching my bowling score go way past 100.