I've been under some pretty intense pressure (ahem...) lately to blog. Truth is, I haven't had anything to say. (No comments from the peanut gallery... I fully realize my old nicknames and reputation).

But I thought it would be fun, as I get into the Christmas spirit, to look back at Christmases past. These are the oldest Christmas picture I could find on my computer. They're from Christmas 2002.

So what was going on in Christmas 2002?

Jon's side of the family was still living in Oregon -- so this was Christmas at their house. I do believe that Jessica and Matt were married in May of that year, and were expecting Tish in April of 2003. I don't recall if Ann and Donny were engaged yet... but maybe? Jon and I were kidless at that point. Look at that long hair I was sporting! Wish I could grow it back! If memory serves, Luke and Matt (and Jess) were in Colorado, Ann was in California, we were in Buffalo (?), and Mom and Dad were in Oregon. It's hard to believe that was only 7 years ago -- seems like SO much longer! I also believe that healthwise, this was a very pivotal Christmas.

My side of the family was in South Dakota. Prior to kids, we were able to go to one family for a week, then fly to the other family for the second week. I do believe that 2002 was the year that we were flying from South Dakota back to Buffalo in order to fly out to Oregon (it was cheaper that way)... when we got to Chicago, we saw that Buffalo had 6 feet of snow and was expecting more. We rerouted our flights, paid the change fee, and headed to Oregon, hoping that our bags would eventually make it (they did the next day). When all was said and done, Buffalo had 9 feet of snow! So glad we didn't get stuck there!

Anyway, so my side of the family. Our tradition has always been to have my brother and I, my aunt, and both sets of Grandparents join us for every holiday (and every birthday, and really every occasion you can imagine celebrating). My cousins have always lived far away, and it was awesome when they were able to join us, but that only was able to happen a few times. As you can see, in 2002, they weren't with us. My Grandmother also wasn't with us, as she was in a nursing home with Alzheimers. We did go visit her as well -- 2002 was to be her last Christmas, as she died in November 2003.


I love looking back at old photos. Over Thanksgiving last week we were talking about our childhood memories. I have so many fond and just plain amazing childhood memories. I also have a bajillion photos to look back on. And I think the two are directly correlated. I fail to discern whether it's a true memory, or just beloved stories attached to worn photographs. But does it matter? I'm part of two awesome families with a huge, rich legacy.

I'm determined to pass that legacy onto my children. And in the process...no matter how crazy it drives the rest of my family...I intend to document every step of the way with a bajillion more photos (thank you digital camera), so they can have the same "golden glow" of memories that I do.