It’s the most wonderful time of the year..

As December came in fast I feel like it is leaving just as quick. After only a couple of days home I headed to Billings Montana for a quick trip to pick up a couple dogs for some friends. The drive was beautiful and showed an amazing winter wonderland. One the way back from Montana I was able to stop for the night and visit with Arlene and Kelly. It is always great to see them. I even got to stop and give my sister Britt a quick hug which is always worth the trip.

One December 9th I got to board one of Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and was once again Seattle Washington bound to visit family. This time my carry on bag didn’t hold the normal extra things you need to travel but instead held my new digital camera that my dad gave me for Christmas. I definitely couldn’t wait to use it in Seattle. A quick one hour and thirty minute flight and I was safe and sound in one of the best cities.

The trip was amazing as usual. Christel took me to all the tourist spots, we hit the Seattle Underground tour, the museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass and Smith Tower. I also took a afternoon to walk from my cousin Kirsi’s building where she works up to the Gum Wall and Pike Place Market. The gum wall was definitely a sight to see. I found it so interesting and just artistic in a weird way.

The Underground Tour was very neat. They taught us all about how Seattle started and all the struggles that took to build it. It was so neat to see the buildings that were still under the newer buildings and how they built the underground. After the tour we decided to walk across the street and tour the very first skyscraper built which is the Smith Tower. It has a amazing bar at the top of it that once you go through the self guided tour you can ride the elevator up and have a drink as well as walk around the top of the building and see the sights of Seattle.

The Museum Of Pop Culture is definitely always a favorite of mine. I love to go see the exhibits that showcase the bands that are from Seattle. This time the main exhibit was the Pearl Jam exhibit. I loved getting to learn more about the band and all the trials they went through to get to be where they are today and some of their stage props and instruments. Along with the Pearl Jam exhibit they also have an exhibit that showcases Nirvana and Jimmy Hendricks. It is definitely a place to check out.

After the Museum Of Pop Culture we went to the Chihuly Garden and Glass. This exhibit was absolutely incredible! Chihuly’s glassblowing is absolutely breath taking. His work is above and beyond what I thought it was going to be. I loved every room in the exhibit. Each piece left you wondering how did he decide to make that piece. I loved that in some of the rooms they actually featured the painting that went with the blown glass art work. He has an incredible talent!

The rest of the time I was spending time with my family. Enjoying my cousins and learning about photography from my cousin Ken. The last night I was there I met up with my cousin Kirsi and her friends. We found this bar called the Pie Bar and yes they served homemade pies and alcohol. How can you go wrong? I spent my last day in Seattle with Kirsi attending the farmers market and eating amazing Italian food before I had to take off back home.

Once I was home I had got to pick up my puppy. I couldn’t wait to have Sounders home with me to snuggle and love. He is a pretty cool little guy and I definitely am in love.

I also had a week to get everything done and ready for Christmas. This year I actually wasn’t shopping last minute. I spent some time in the wood shop finishing up the gifts I wanted to make. I spent Christmas Eve with my friend Alecia and her family. It is always a great time with them. I love the laughter that happens and just getting to spend time with them.

Christmas Morning I got up and went to Dave and Connie Simpson’s home where I married them in front of the Christmas tree in a short ceremony in front of their closest friends. It is always an honor to marry couples and this one I couldn’t be happier for. I spent the rest of Christmas visiting the neighbors who are like family and went to Jen and Jon’s to finish up the afternoon and evening. It was my fourth year with them and I love spending Christmas with them.

The day after Christmas it was time for Christmas with my dad and my sister Nicole’s family. We had a great dinner and enjoyed spending the evening together. The kids are definitely fun to watch open their gifts. Christmas through a child’s eye is definitely a great way to celebrate.

As we say good bye to 2018 in a couple days I can definitely say the last month of it was a great one. I will try and do one last blog before the new year reflecting but if I don’t get a chance to get it done. Happy New Year!