LAPACACA!: Merry Christmas!

The stockings were hung on Buck with care. But not enough care as we learned in the midst of Christmas eve dinner. Paxson's new stocking came down with a surprise right into Dawson's T-Bone Steak. It escaped unscathed, though, and the steak stayed tasty. At least it didn't land in the lobster butter.

It seems blasphemous to eat lobster around these parts,

as it comes all the way from the Atlantic Ocean (Canada to boot) and we've got some of the world's tastiest crabs right here, but the lobster came to us by way of our modest donation to the local museum. And it's very tasty, so we aren't complaining. The local crabs understand, I'm sure. Speaking of the local crabs, the opilio season is about to open. Mmmm... snow crab!

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. But a little Boodah was thanks to a cold and a night fever. His frequent night stirrings, and attempts to bungee off the bed from 1:45 through 4 AM weren't enough to prevent him from hopping out of bed stoked at 6 AM. Pax Rev's second Christmas was even better than his first. Although he still appears far more delighted by the packaging than by the gifts... but I guess we should enjoy that economical approach to life while it lasts.

Note: The above video definitely falls into the "Grape" category, so beware.

Mr. Paxson Revel is probably one of the only kids around who gets pieces of psychological testing kits for presents (thanks to Grandpa Buck). He appears to enjoy them though, even more than the wrapping. And another of his favorites is the dishwasher safe football. That will fare much better than his deck of puppy dog playing cards. He put them in the dishwasher and alas, they didn't fare well.

Here's a random selection of Boodah pictures, in the grape spirit of things.

It has been a great holiday, definitely a white Christmas as they say. Lots and lots of powder. There was no snow on the ground less than 2 weeks ago, so the snow has been greatly appreciated. Senor Shackleton has kept us motivated to get outside, and we haven't been letting him down. Here he is, telling us its time to get our cross country skiing in.

On Christmas Eve day we were blessed with an incredible sunrise, blue sky and pink mountains. We decided to head to Pyramid and give it another shot, this time armed with snowshoes. We weren't disappointed.

One person stayed with Senor and sledded, while the other hiked and enjoyed some powder turns. On account of the Aleutian weather, it didn't take too long for our glorious conditions to change to near white out with heavy winds. Which Senor found made for perfect indoor activities, like racecar driving practice.

Extreme Mama in action.

Christmas day turns, atop Ballyhoo. The weather's a little burlier today. We live down there, about 200 yards inland from the big T dock. Normally there are other big mountains to see, but they're obscured by the weather.