Christmas 2008. . . Winter Wonderland!

Christmas '08 was a RAGING SUCCESS at the 'Showmethesale Estate'. . . although we DID miss oldest son and his wife not being there (due to our winter storm blast that kept many highways closed and surface roads treacherous to traverse, they were not able to make it)

We MISSED you guys--but look forward to your coming next month. . . and don't worry--we have got your presents and goodies saved in a big huge pile for you! (as the photos below will attest to)

Pile 'O Presents:

Pile 'O Goodies:



Oh! And speaking of our winter storm blast (the worst since 1950 they tell us) Here are some pictures to illustrate the truly 'White Christmas' we had this year--as well as the week leading up to it:



To be perfectly honest, downtown Portland never looks better than when it's covered in Pristine white. . .

And apparently, dear hubby and I weren't the only ones to get in on the cross-country ski action:



Even with the chilling temperatures and icy conditions--dear hubby managed to take 'the Max' train in to work every day leading up to Christmas:



Others weren't so fortunate--and tried taking their cars:



Which lead to this little disaster on one of the streets of Portland:



Even the coast got pelted with the white fluffy stuff. Here's a picture of Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach:



Although--someone, true to form, managed to drag out the old 'woody' to the beach in spite of the snowy weather:



How often do you get to make a snowman on the beach?



Some areas boasted up to 3 feet of snow!



Even with all the chills, spills, and thrills these heavenly flakes bring with them--I have to admit--the beauty of the winter wonderland we enjoyed was absolutely breathtaking. Here are some photos around different places of Oregon that enjoyed this winter storm of 2008:









As for the big happy day of Christmas itself. . . we were hunkered down with a nice cozy fire enjoying all the gifts that Santa was able to bring, despite the freezing ice and snow. (good thing he can fly above that stuff with his trusty sleigh and reindeer)



Here's 'G-Pa' entertaining the grand sons (although Sam seems to be trying to entertain the camera guy):



Here's dear daughter and her hubby getting ready for all the merriment just about to take place:



The boys were really excited to start opening gifts--and every time we asked the lil' guys to smile--apparently they couldn't do it without shutting their eyes:



Meanwhile, the ole' man and I just took everything in and enjoyed the day:



One little footnote I will add here was that middle son was so excited with the lap top that Santa brought him for starting college this next semester--and so wrapped up in uploading and downloading stuff on it--he didn't even notice that I completely gave him a new look and hair do while he was messing around with it:



But as you will see in the background of the next photo, youngest son sure noticed! (and asked if I would add that picture on my blog) OF COURSE I WOULD! Nothing is more important than embarrassing your family members with a really stupid picture of them:



Yep! Christmas '08 was a rip-roarin' success. . .