We woke up early and packed all our stuff. we had 5 bags of luggage !!!>. a new record for us. We checked out of the airbnb .. and headed to max and becky’s to drop stuff off and say goodbuy to the twoa nd four legged family

The ride to Albequerque was very easy. I droped of george and doreen at their checkin, then diane at ours and took the car back to the rental office. THat saved us luggin all that luggage !

After checkign in, diane and I met up with george and doreen for a quick fairwell.. then headed to our respective planes

The flight to MPLS was easy.. we stopped in Denver.. the scenery on the way was really amazing

 

We had a bit of time to explore the denver airport.. ..   this is as close as we’ve gotten to a voodoo doughts.. the one in portaland is always too full to visit !

 

From there is was a quick flight to msp and my moms.. We got there late, but not so late we couldnt use the hot tub !

I do love traveling..

nita ll, nite sam

-me

TOday is boxing day,… the day after xhristmas.. its a big deal in england.. not o big here, I think
We woke late, met up for breakfas.t. when out to see what the ladies had for us in the way of eggs. 

 

Max carved the roast beast

 

I shared my beautiful fail of using chatgpt4 to design a christmas pierogi poem card for last nights dinner. Artwork is great.. but spelling note so much . 

Max and I took Gabe to the airport around 11. It had been soooo great seeing both the boys here. 

We wnet home and picked up Becky and DIane and headed up the mountain for a hike with the dogs

 

it was a true blubird day .. lots of snow and crystal blue skies

 

Great hike !

We went back, and met up with George and doreen and headed to Cowgirl for dinner. It was our last dinner together of the holiday. and cowgirl is a fun place to do it !

Great way to end the vacation !

nite all, nite sam

-me

Today is christmas.. and we’re celebrating it at Max and Beckys along with Becky’s folks George and Doreen.  Max and Becky ‘s place is really warm and welcoming.. so are they !

It began with the customary  letter from santa (this year a dad joke ) and a plate of cookies.. this time with a shot of saurkraut juice !

Danny and Eleabeth dialed in mid-day with baby vivian

 

We broke for pink fish breakfast as is our custom. 

this was first xmas with rabbits !

I smuggled a shirt id bought a few nights backk at Gabriels restaurant. I had to put it on under my shirt in order to sneak it by Gabe !

George got max this awesome  djembe drum !

 

Max and Becky got Gabes dog Nova a cute southwestern outfit

 

ANd diane found this in a thrift store.. very much gabe’s favorite color  !

 

We broke in the afternoon for a dog walk all together.. it was a beautiful day… and no one minded that we were all still in our jammies

 

 

Gabe got max and becky a huge spanish cured ham

 

Once we were done opening.. we switched to cooking ! All 7 of us pitched in to make pierogies using Doreens family recipe. We had spinach and mushroom, cheesy potatoe, sourkrout and apple. They were really easy to make.. and SOOO good !

 

While the pirogies were cooking, Becky  collected some eggs from their 20 chickens.. check out the colors ! 

 

Then it was time to eat !,, So delicious.. and so fun to make.. 

 

It had been a great day. Every time we’re together like this.. we bring Sam into our celebration…

missing him tonight …

Merry christmas everyone

 

nite all, nite sam

-me

We woke up to bright sunlight and blue skies. THere was a good amoutn of snow around and the everythign had a sheen of ice. Diane and I tookl a mornign walk to see the ice, snow and sun

 

Aroudn noon we all got together a hike in the beutiful snowy sun

 

max placed a samstone in this cool ring of sticks we found

 

Then back to the house to start cookign for tomorrow

 

Around 6 we piled in one of the cars and headed down town for the Ferolito walk

Its when canyon road is lined with ferolito.. small paper bags lit with candles..and all the galleries are open. Families are all out , dressed up in lights and checking out the art. Its very fun !

 

 

I had on my blinking hat and with my white beard.. many, many kids thought I was santa.. I love that !

We all went home, ate a light meal.. then Diane and Becky started making filling for the pierogies .. while I fell asleep on the sofa 🙂

 

Time to get to bed so santa can come 🙂 

Merry christmas to all, and to all a  good night !

nite all, nite sam

-me