Family Fun

I think I forgot to mention that Aunt Mindy was here for Ruby and Owen's birthday.  She hasn't missed one yet!  And, on our way to the party, we stopped by Petco where they were doing a fundraiser for Friends of Animals rescue.  We got a picture with Kess and Santa and also Ruby and Owen donated all the money from the "share" section of their piggy banks to the animal rescue.  We talked about options for sharing their money and of course, animals won the vote. 

Christmas Eve started with Amber and Gus's maiden voyage on the sled run behind the house.  We gave them the Rookie Award.  It is a LONG run and a decent hike to get to the top.  Gus left stuff at the top, assuming we would go back up, which we did, but have never done TWICE with rookies.   They also dove right into the sledding piece.  I saw some real Ohio backgrounds shining through.  

Ruby and Owen warmed up to Aunt Amber quickly. She claims to be a 4 year old at heart, and they loved that! She played with all their toys with them and read books too.  Love.

Gotta get a cow cookie on Main St.  

We just caught the lights before heading to Park City Mountain Resort to see the torch light parade. 

Then home to make cookies for Santa before getting to bed.  

Oh, what's that?  A package on the door step?  Oma's cookies on Christmas Eve again!  How does she time this??

Kessler helped Santa set up this year. :)

Santa's gift is always wrapped in brown paper.  This year, a pink camo tent for Ruby and a few transformers for Owen.  Both a hit (despite feeling like they didn't get what they asked for- see previous entry)

Mindy arrived Christmas afternoon and we needed to get out! So, sledding of course!  Amber and I rode in the back of the truck.  Sailor Jerry was with us too, but you just can't se him in the picture here. ;)

Mindy got Ruby and Owen cross country ski gear for Christmas.  They have been talking about wanting it since the snow flew so they were excited!

The day after Christmas, we all headed out to Midway to go ice skating and tubing.  Texans, you want winter?  We'll give you winter!  Complete with three winter sports and snow on Christmas day!

My twins- siblings and children.  Too cute. 

Mindy and Chip got out for a tour behind the house.  Leave it to Mindy to find a spot to do this!

After Gus and Amber left, we headed to the Rail trail to try out the cross country stuff.   Ruby stated that she thinks it is "boring".  We didn't mind.  You could understand her feelings compared to downhilling lately and, regardless of what she said, she asked to do it again the next day and a few days after that.  I guess boring is alright sometimes. 

Dax showed up (lots of in and out at the DuRoss house this season!) and we went skiing for a day and, you guessed it!, went sledding.  You gotta.  It was great to spend time with him and we really enjoyed the Cringle (a German treat) he made us. yummy.

Well, that's all for 2014, folks!  It has been an amazing year, truly.  We feel endlessly grateful for all that we have- family, friends, community, health, travel, jobs, and each other. Cheers to all that and to another year of adventures and the unknown!  

"Every love story is beautiful, but OURS is my favorite."

- ?

So true.