Christmas and New Years

A week ago, a few friends came to spend Christmas with us. I met her when we were two and three years old in Monrovia, Liberia. My mom heard French and just walked up to the door and asked my friend's mom if we could play together. A wonderful friendship ensued. She ended up in Geneva, Switzerland, and I ended up in Calgary for my growing up years, and then Montreal. We spend three consecutive summers together with a lot of road-trip bonding time. Afterwards we met up during a few more summers, but this was the first time we saw each other during the winter. It was the first time our husbands met, and it was great to see how everyone got along.

We did our traditional Christmas activities with my family. On the 24th, my family came over for snacks before mass. I was singing with the choir (oh yes I kept almost ALL of my 2012 New Year's Resolutions!) so we headed to church at 10pm. Afterwards we went to my parent's house where we ate more. On the 25th, we lazed around, opened gifts, and walked the dog a bit. On the 26th, we went to my uncle's for a big family reunion dinner. On the 27th, there was an incredible snow storm here in Montreal. We met some friends for lunch and then more friends for dinner.

A few pictures of the storm:

Montreal in the snow

There's a car under there!

Huge pile of snow

All the way up to the gate

 From the 28th to the 31st, I went to a remote cabin with my family in which there is no running water or electricity. We heat using the wood stove and melt snow to make water. It is so nice to have a break from our fast-paced lives and just relax and enjoy each other's company. We always have fun cross-country skiing, playing in the snow, and making up games in the evening.

The 31st was fairly quiet, our friends had gone to NYC to celebrate the New Year, so my husband and I just had my parents over and watched end-of-year comedy shows. 2012 was quite the year.

Highlights include:

• getting a dog
• trip to Mexico in April
• trip to Calgary in July
• visits from great friends
• re-starting my Masters

For 2013, I hope to continue to do an outdoorsy activity at least once a month and go swimming more often. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years with family and loved ones! May 2013 surprise you by bringing out the very best in you!

A few random photos:

Advent calendars + homemade potpourri for friends and family

Nativity scene

We are dog sitting for a friend this week