Ringing in the New Year...

...with snow and family

We had the pleasure of spending New Year's Eve with one of my brothers and his family.  This is the first time in years that we've been able to manage celebrating together.



My brother, Leo, is a typical younger brother (he's the one in the red jacket...just look at his smirk...still my little brother).  As kids he would tease his big sisters, mess with our dolls, had our mother wrapped around his little finger....the kid could do NO wrong in her eyes. 

It's actually still kind of like that, LOL :)

But look at him now?

A family man

He's a pretty great brother.  One of the kindest men I know; truly has a giving heart.  Not perfect mind you, I still have to act like his big sis here, but he is pretty close to the best kind of brother anyone could want. 

The weather up in the mountains was perfect.  Just enough warmth to make it comfortable and plenty of snow for winter fun!

We went sledding

gathered icicles

that later had to be confiscated when they were turned into swords

tossing of snow

some were not as happy

about that snow in her jacket

Hubbie thought Max would make a better snow angel

if he tossed him into a pile of undisturbed snow

Max didn't think so...

We ate, drank, played games and danced a bit too

by the time midnight came around everyone but Rose and Princess were awake

I mean 'really' awake

The next day was nice and mellow

but nothing stops this family from

snowboarding

This is by far some of the best moments of the vacation

It was a great way to celebrate a brand new start

and we were blessed to have spent it with family

I am truly grateful for the memories made here

Every good gift comes from the Father of light.

May He grant you His grace and every blessing,

and keep you safe throughout the coming year.

R. Amen!

May He grant you unwavering faith,

constant hope, and love that endures to the end.

R. Amen!

May He order your days and work in His peace,

hear your every prayer,

and lead you to everlasting life and joy.

R. Amen!

May almighty God bless you,

the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

R. Amen!