Us

I don't believe I've ever done this before, that is, posted a photo of the whole family.

And here we are.

Our kids -- Tom, Sherry and Andrew -- and their spouses -- Anastasia, Chris, and Amy -- suggested that instead of spending money on Christmas gifts for each other, we rent a cabin somewhere and spend some time between Christmas and New Year's away, just being together. We tried it last year and it was so successful that this year we did it again.

This photo was taken at the very last minute before departure this morning, in the living room of the "cabin" as we were ready to go our separate ways.

We spent three nights together in a lovely property in either *Bernville or Strausstown, Pennsylvania, in a "cabin" with seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, a table that comfortably seats eighteen, a downstairs with a pool table and a single lane bowling alley, a spacious kitchen, on a great big lake somewhere west of Allentown and north of Lancaster. We'd go there again.

Optional field trips during the days included visits to the [supposedly] largest Cabelas in the world, places to purchase sheepskin-lined apparel (just wait until you see my gloves), and a massive RV world where, fortunately, no purchases were made (but seeds were planted). 

On our last night, Sherry and Chris entertained all of us by purchasing a box at an ice hockey game where a carbtastic dinner was included and we all watched the Charlotte Checkers defeat (in overtime, mind you) the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. I've seldom felt more out of my element, but had a very, very good time, especially when a huge Mack truck blared its way across the screen as the Phantoms finally made a goal. This event was in observance of S&C's upcoming fiftieth birthdays, and the location was close enough that Chris's mom, siblings, and lively nieces and nephews were able to join us. A fabulous time was had by all and should you ever find yourself attending an event at the Allentown PPL, I heartily recommend the gouda mac-and-cheese. 

All in all, a really nice end to what had been a pretty crappy year.

*The Bernville/Strausstown dilemma may be determined by the direction of approach? I dunno. It's as good a theory as any.