Ringing in a new year

Thankfully, we didn't experience any flight problems like the last time we tried to go to Massachusetts during the holidays. We all were able to go, no one was very sick, and the flight was on time. Phew!

So the ladies went to Boston Ballet's "The Nutcracker" at the Opera House as planned the next afternoon.

It got Levynn dancing again.

Gift giving came that night, and, as you'll see - or already have elsewhere - this one from Uncle Dan (who now runs a ski shop!) is a real treat.

Uncle Dan and Aunt Katey, meanwhile, are planning a move to California. So we got them a California seafood cookbook.

It snowed that night, not in the forecast when we left Chicago, and dumped a nice pile for us. But we took advantage of it!

Rather than the big hills at the elementary school farther down the street, we went to Uncle Andy's mom's house across the street. She has a smaller hill in her yard, just right for trying out the snowboard.

We went there three times in two days, and Lev got the hang of this quickly. Look at her go!

Dan, Uncle Andy, Aunt Rachel and Cousin Chloe all went with us the first day.

Gram and Poppa joined us for a warm lunch after the sledding.

And Gram and the kids made cookies.

Gram joined us on the hill the next day, New Year's Eve.

We kid you not.

And here's Gram and Papa with the spread for our New Year's Eve buffet.

... which was followed by a New Year's Day brunch, Northwestern's landmark win in the Gator Bowl (woo hoo!), and our smooth flight home.

Thanks for a great visit, everyone!