Merry Christmas 2013 in the North West

Ken spent the Christmas holidays in sunny Arizona and Joanne flew to the Northwest for celebrations with her daughters and families.

A delectable Christmas dinner was served at Tom and Michelle's home in Beaverton.  The Babb turkey and Sullivan ham were absolutely D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!  I've never in all my life tasted such tender meat. 

We had a fun time with the traditional gift sharing as well as a memorable snow ball fight :-)!  (That was made possible by my embroidery machine concocting some non-melting versions!) 

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While staying at the Sullivan household we enjoyed a trip to Peacock Lane in SE Portland!  It was fun to introduce Elena to a tradition that many generations of her family have also enjoyed.

Upon heading back to Washington, we were awed by the beautiful "Garden d'Lights" at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.  There are beautiful flowers in lights as well as the children (of all ages) seek out many glittering critters that are in the light displays within the garden. 

New Year's Eve was spent at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo with many families celebrating among the spectacular displays.  The synchronized lights for the gazelle racing down the path or the eagle flying high in the sky were truly awesome!  Of course a ride on the galloping horses in the magnificent carrousel was also a highlight.

New Years's brunch at the Kirkland home of my niece and her husband was the finale treat of my Pacific Northwest visit.  There was the delectable croissant French toast, the raspberry crepes, and oh my...don't forget those melt-in-the mouth chocolates!   I will savor the memory of such delightful meals at ever home I visited during this Christmas week.

Have you ever been to Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Mall?  If not, here's a quick glance  at the truly joyful celebration we also visited.  Magic was in the air and you'll see that my family enjoyed every "beat" and  every snow flake!