Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas holiday at with my parents and my brother's family in Boston. Unfortunately, Michael had strep with a double ear infection and I had an upper respiratory infection. Ugh. But by the time we got to Boston, we were both on antibiotics and on the road to recovery!

Beth and I continued our "training" in preparation for our half-marathon and for eating all the wonderful Christmas food, cookies and chocolate. The rest of the time was spent relaxing as we simply catching up and enjoying each other's company.

Bethany prepared a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner, the kids performed a puppet show of the meaning of Christmas (with Bethany narrating) and the kids received their traditional holiday pajamas. Watching the kids and the joy in their eyes both Christmas Eve and Christmas morning reminds you of what Christmas is all about. It has been several years since Mike and I have been with the kids for Christmas morning and it made all the difference.

Mike and I returned to Maryland, back to the grind stone. We really didn't have much planned for New Year's Eve. At the last minute, we were invited to a friend's party. We had a great time playing Pit and Pounce most of the evening. Even the kids (11 of them) stayed up with us to bring in the new year.

So, it's a new year. A time for fresh starts and new beginnings with new resolutions. A time to reflect on being kinder, more loving, more sharing, more caring, and to cut back on sweets!

Happy New Year to All!!!