So many of the good pictures are already on facebook that this post seems sort of an afterthought, but I think I have some from our camera that you haven't yet seen.  The outdoors pictures really come out the best, don't they?  It almost seemed like we wouldn't get a hike in the mountains this year with the weather and sickness working against us, but we made it up on maybe the coldest day of our time in NY.  We even saw a few snowflakes. Of all of the beauty around us, Benjamin was, not unexpectedly, most interested in the pinecones and leaves and bottle caps closest to his eyes.  The mountains are beautiful, but this time around I have to say I was most interested in watching my little penguin march around in his snowsuit.  

Our trip included a last minute trip to Beacon, NY where we met Benjamin's Aunt Amy and explored the Island of Misfit Toys.  Seriously, it was a strange playground where it appears people had donated/abandoned all sorts of toys.  Benjamin could have played there for hours.  

The highlight of our time in NY was being in the ultrasound room with Sara and Sean when they found out they are having a boy.  I cannot WAIT to meet young Jack when he arrives in May.  I kind of wish we could skip to the stage where he and Benjamin can play together.  Benjamin has so much fun with them; I know they are going to be great parents!  

Drums were the theme this year for Benjamin's Christmas in NY.  He can't get enough of Sean's bongos, and he plays with the two percussion sets he got from his aunties and uncles all the time back here in NY.  We have so many great percussion instruments for kids now that I'm thinking about having some of the other toddlers we know over for a music party.  We'll see if that materializes now that classes are starting again on Monday.  

When we got back from NY we had a week before we went up to SS for the New Year and second Christmas.  I don't have my own pictures of that, but we couldn't have asked for a better weekend.  With escargot, roast duck, and champagne to ring in the New Year, how could you ask for more?  

We are not looking forward to taking down our tree this year--it's been a great Christmas.