road trip!

We left on Saturday morning to drive down to Sacramento, to celebrate Christmas with the Avery/Lees and the Avery grandparents. We stopped in Eugene for lunch and an extended walk on the riverfront; we love the trails and parks in Eugene and Jasper was so happy to romp with us and in the dog park. We continued south to stay the night in Ashland, which was festively decorated for Christmas, with lights on all the downtown trees and buildings, and the shops full of clothes, books, and trinkets. On Sunday we drove the rest of the way, this time stopping at a dog park along the river in Redding before arriving in Sacramento at 4. The cousins were super excited to see each other and Kim had made an amazing beef pie and baklava for dinner.

On Sunday morning the children, Steve and I took Jasper for a walk over to Capitol Park.

 

Then we returned home to construct and decorate gingerbread houses. It was a full family affair, requiring a parent and child to make each house.

 

 In the afternoon, the grownups baked and shopped and wrapped and talked, while the children constructed giant forts, danced to music, painted their faces, and played. It's great to be together again for another holiday.