This was our first Christmas in Washington at our new home.  My parents, Emily, and Bonnie were able to join us for some time the week before Christmas.  We stayed at a resort on the Kitsap Peninsula in the little town of Union along Hood Canal.  During their time here we went for several hikes including one in a salt marsh and one to Murhut Falls in Olympic National Forest.  On Wednesday we spent the day in Seattle; Odessa and my parents stayed to attend a children’s play while the rest of us took the ferry back to Bremerton.  We celebrated Christmas with my family on the 23rd before they left the following morning.  It was very nice to see them, be able to spend time together, and show them around our new state.

We had our family Christmas on the 24th.  Scott made the same Christmas duck recipe he’s made several times in the past, which we enjoy very much.  In Madison, we could buy duck at our usual grocery store but in Tacoma we visited five grocery stores before finally venturing to an Asian specialty grocer to find a duck.  Odessa and Leo had a great time opening presents and being the center of attention.  We were very fortunate to receive such generous and thoughtful gifts and cards from friends and family.

We wish health and happiness to all our loved ones for 2012!