christmas miracles

It's been a wonderful, restful break at home in the Northwest.

On my first day back, ALL the mountains came out to greet me.

Some friends and I went on a drive to catch a glimpse of them in all their glory.

I got to catch up with dear friends. Who knew,
 that after 9 years of friendship,
Bryce and I  would turn out to be TWINS??

We spent the day in my city. Turns out, I still love it a lot.

We drank Seattle's Best, quite happily.

We made friends with our neighborhood Nutcracker.

I got to meet my new niece and nephew.

It was great to be together as a family.

The Trotter girls enjoyed a wonderful reunion.

Cousin time is always great!

We picked a perfect clear day to go snowshoeing.

We enjoyed the quiet beauty around us.

Two very happy hikers!

Stillaguamish Peak

Big 4 Mountain

Sheep Mountain in the background.

Happy to be in the wilderness!

I have thought often of where I was a year ago, physically, emotionally...and I am so thankful that I am no longer in that place. I can remember a permanent pit in my stomach, that tightened when I thought of my impending return to Baltimore. And while I'm still not in love with the city, and I'm more than ready to be done with school, I won't be looking for the nearest escape route as we head to the airport tomorrow.

Still, I am sad to leave this place that will always be home. And I look forward to the day, which is fast approaching, when it will be again. Just a few recitals standing in my way...