CHRISTMAS 2008

Christmas 2008 for Wayde and Barb started out at the Kachnik's house in Portland amid one of the worst snowstorms in history. It's been a long time since we've had a White Christmas and I think I can do without another in this lifetime, but it was a beautiful sight seeing Portland blanketed in white. Mariah prepared a delicious supper on Christmas Eve, a standing rib roast and prawns, a little Surf & Turf. We woke up early on Christmas Morning, opened presents, and then proceeded to Eugene to the Hutchings' house. It was nice to drive on clear roads and great to see everyone. The only other thing we needed to make it perfect would have been if Beth and her family could have joined us but it wasn't meant to be. We had a wonderful time and appreciated all being together. We opened more gifts at Bonnie and West's house (always a fun thing) and, of course, proceeded to eat a wonderful Christmas ham dinner. There was some Rock Band stars for entertainment which finished off our perfect Christmas day.

The next morning we had an amazing breakfast of chorizos (a gift from our own personal Nevada angel brought to us last fall by our dear friend, Jeannette Miller). It was hard not to think of some of the wonderful memories of Nevada as we ate the chorizos. Then we did a little "day after Christmas" shopping, more Rock Band and then we headed home for Newport. We then presented our cat, Kruzer, with his Christmas present and put it in our office so he would have something to do while Wayde and I were on the computer. He loves watching the fish go by (and probably dreaming about which one he wants to catch).

All in all, it was a great time. Now we are on to taking the Christmas tree down and getting things back to normal as the Season comes to a close. In anticipation of New Year, it is time to make resolutions, ponder the past year and the future ahead.

We are blessed and life is good.

God Bless you all and know that we wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year!