"Christmas gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us." -- David Cameron

We hope you were able to enjoy some family time over the holidays! This was our first Christmas in Boston.  Chris also was able to join us.

Due to plane changes, Pat and I ended up on a red-eye on the evening of the 23rd. Left Phoenix at 10 p.m. Weds. and arrived in Boston after 4:30 a.m. Thurs. Not bad.  

We had gotten rid of most of our winter gear but layering-up kept us plenty warm.  I invested in a pair of waterproof gloves and long-johns.  Our hiking boots kept our feet warm.  We had a wonderful time but I still don't like cold weather!

Chris returned home on Sun.  Pat and I were scheduled to leave Boston Weds. at 4:45 and, with a 2 hour drive back to Tucson, should have been back to our RV by midnight.  A delay didn't get us back until 2:30 a.m.  but at least none of our flights were canceled like so many others were.

We had so much fun doing things and just being together.  Josh prepared lots of good food.  Of course there were family pictures.

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth. 🎶

Although very little, there was some snow.

Hanging of "The Instruments."

My Mom's cookie cutters.

Chili on Christmas Eve.

The Night Before Christmas!

  

Christmas Dinner

Guess who got the monkey!

Lots of fun and games including snapchap, cards, video, and board games.  The kids enjoyed the "ghost" game.  

Object?  Don't get caught by the ghost.

We went to Frog Pond in Boston Commons for some ice skating and then listened to music provided by the School of Honk at the park.  Even if people don't have a musical background or instruments, this community band will have them playing on their first day!

In the summer the Frog Pond is a wading pool.

Josh is in the yellow coat playing the sousaphone ("School of Honk" cover).

A trip to the Boston Museum of Science is always fun.  Lots of exhibits, some I remembered and, of course, some new ones.

The exhibit "Arctic Adventure:  Exploring With Technology" had a real ice wall.  Below, one exhibit allowed you to program a machine to pick up gems in tunnels.  You forgot to add a "light" to find the gems?  How will you see them?  Try again.

After we left the Science Center we walked along the scenic St. Charles River.

Longfellow Bridge

Where are the Piepers now?   A picnic area east of El Paso, beside I-10.