Christmas Craziness!

Drew hangs out with Papa.


Stu reads Twas the Night Before Christmas to the boys before bed.


Santa brought Scooby Doo DVDs!

Drew found a fire truck in his stocking.

Santa also brought this sweet Darth Vader costume...SCARY!

Bryce, Elsa & Drew cuddle & pose.

Drew, Brittany, Bryce, me, Elsa & Betsy.

The boys & I at the Missoula Carousel...always a favorite!

The Gibson Mansion, site of the 40th Anniversary Party for my parents.

My mom & dad...married 40 years! Cheers!

Well, our Christmas trip started out as a roller coaster ride of emotions! Despite our best efforts, the 4 of us missed our flight out of Albuquerque on Dec. 22nd. We made the quick (and perhaps not fully thought-out) decision to drive to Montana, an 1100+ mile trip. We expected to get there the following day, but weather & our late start on the 22nd were working against us. After trekking through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, & Idaho, we finally arrived at Mom & Dad's on the morning of the 24th. I had not made this journey by car since moving to NM 11 years ago! The boys had never done the trip by car, but all things considered, they were wonderful. We are actually planning to drive up this summer, because we spotted several things along the way that we need to explore when we have more time.

Once we made it to Missoula, we had a great time! We spent Christmas with my parents, Betsy, Kennet & Elsa, Brittany & Cameron, my Grandma Helen & my Aunt Dede. Everyone had a wonderful time, and Santa was good to all of us. On Dec. 27th, my sisters & I hosted a 40th Anniversary Party for my parents at The Gibson Mansion in Missoula. It was attended by about 60 close friends, and it turned out even better than we had hoped. It was really fun to see so many of my parents' friends again.

We headed back to NM on the 29th, and were able to make it home by the evening of the 30th. While it was a quick trip, we loved every minute of our time in Montana and can't wait to head back up this summer. It was truly a Christmas to remember!