On December 19, the girls and I joined my friends Gary and Lucas (and his daughter) for a hike through the snowy woods. We found a nice hill, gathered firewood, built a fire to toast our smores and hot cocoa, and blazed a sledding track. The girls had a blast and they were exhausted that evening!

The girls and I celebrated Christmas on Thursday morning, Christmas Eve. All the presents were spread out under the fireplace and the stockings were hung on the mantle. The girls gritted their teeth as they opened the clothes, and smiled from ear-to-ear for the toys and other presents. Favorites were the Wii game system from Grama and Big G, pajamas (also from Grama and Big G), Monopoly, journals and books, and twin sister American Girl dolls from my parents.