A White Christmas, and I'm not even dreaming.

A very Merry Christmas to you and yours from snowy Vancouver, Canada!


As I mentioned earlier, we always love spending Christmas here. Usually the appeal is centered in the lively conversation, fun games and good food with family and friends that we don't get to see for most of the year, with a little warm weather reprieve from the Minnesota winter being a bonus. This year, however, we've arrived in the middle of the most incredible snowfall Vancouver has seen since 1997. A total of 14-16 inches has fallen in the last three days! That would be impressive in Minnesota, but not quite the unbelievable miracle it is here. There's a rumor going around that this is the first Christmas since 1971 for which the entirety of Canada has snow on the ground.

It also has snow on the roads, at least this part of it. Vancouver and its suburbs are not exactly well-equipped to effectively plow two inches of snow, let alone two feet, so driving is an adventure. But it's been a fun one so far, with no real scares. My brother Brad and his family (Stacy and new baby Kacia) were delayed at least two hours flying out of Vancouver yesterday, but they did land safely in Winnipeg eventually to spend Christmas with Stacy's family.

Our own travels on Tuesday were fairly smooth. The day ended quite late for the kids, but they did alright with falling asleep on the drive up from Seattle after the flight. Now, of course, Alicia and I are up way too early, our bodies refusing to accept this foreign time zone, as Toby and Mama sleep in to their hearts' content. The day ahead holds many presents, much laughter, food and drink, and hopefully a few little reminders of one very special Gift, but for now, only two creatures are stirring.

I think that's all I have to report from Canada on this Christmas morn. May the day be joyous and full of love for each of you.