Christmas, 2008

Mr. Nivose says: This is the picture Steph and I took for our Christmas cards. You can find the whole album here: CLICK FOR ALBUM (http://picasaweb.google.com/MrAndMrsNivose/Xmas08?feat=directlink).
Additional pictures are of our Christmas Pumpkin Tree, and of our cat Magus in her manger bed below it.
Christmas in Colorado has been interesting. It's a little shy on the snow, which sounds like the exact opposite of what my home in the North East is getting. Things also aren't as crazy out shopping, though that might just be the slow economy.


Magus likes having her picture taken, and she likes the beeping timer on the camera. She is not, however, all that interested in being posed. Some of the shots of us in the album are cute and funny because of the cranky faces she makes. Other times she's simply adorable looking, though we might not be.
The photos were an easy enough sheet backdrop over our entertainment center turned shoe rack.

Christmas dinner was on the 24th with Steph's Grandparrents and Uncle. They had a bunch of presents for us.
Christmas morning we had pancakes (using the mix in the gift basket from my sister Heather) and then opened the many presents that had come in from friends and family. Being so far from home we received a number of gift cards, as well as tasty foods often with some connection to New England.

Mostly, it was quiet. Which is really what I wanted out of Christmas this year. It can be a hectic time of year for me, and quiet is something I enjoy.
The pumpkin tree is still up, and Magus still sleeps beneath it often. She also received a number of gifts. Catnip, treats and toys. Plus, during the quiet xmas day dinner that Steph and I shared Magus got a little of Steph's Salmon. I had some blue cheese, and we both had veggies, olives, humus and pita chips. It was a lot like what we had for thanksgiving, but no fondue this time.

After Christmas morning things we went to the fish hatchery and walked around. I like to see the trout. We threw them food pellets, and in some of the icey spots they would rise to the food on top of the ice. Over and over because though it was thin ice the fish couldn't break it, or learn any better not to keep trying. It was kind of entertaining. I do really like the hatchery. I was surprised to see other people there. After that we stopped at Steph's school building and peeked in on the Bug Zoo (pictures soon!). Made sure everyone was happy and that the Mantis has a nice christmas cricket for dinner.

This is our first Christmas married, and the first living together. It has been very special. I remember when I was little, we moved into our first house right after Christmas. There's a strange parallel in that for me in terms of beginnings of things. Colorado is a bit bigger than my childhood backyard however.

I hope everyone is having a good winter. I promise we will get to writing about the other things we've done and pictures we've taken.

-Mr. Nivose



Mrs. Nivose says: It was a pretty quiet Christmas this year. Christmas Eve we went to Oma and Opa's for dinner, and probably should have brought Magus along. We were all very sleepy after dinner, so it was an early night.

The next morning we slept in then cooked up some pancakes and ham for breakfast. It's nice when we both have the same day off and can take the time for a slow breakfast. Later in the day we drive out to the Bellvue fish hatchery and fed the trout. Most of the trout are small, but there are a few giant ones who move slowly and remind me of friendly but not-to-bright dogs that just want treats. Surprisingly, a few other families showed up at the hatchery, and more surprising was the sound of target shooting nearby. We checked up on the bugs in the bug zoo, too.

It was a very lazy day of enjoying each other's company, and spoiling Magus a little with nibbles of smoked salmon and ham.

-Mrs. Nivose