Our sixth year heading up to the Davidson Farm in Cambridge, but our 19th year (pretty sure!) for the Christmas Gathering at Jermaine Hall. It’s a lot of packing and preparing, being that it’s the first Saturday after Christmas, so there’s all that other holiday stuff that needs to happen first, but it’s always worth it.
It was a nice sunny and easy drive up as we watched the temperature go from about 15 degrees here in Mohrsville to -11 by the time we arrived at the Farmhouse.
We were all looking forward to Willard Mountain for the first time on the slopes this winter season. Steve was able to get a decent snowboard, so now Tyler is the only one in our family left skiing. But that’s ok – it makes him stand out among all the other testosterone. It was a pretty cold day, about -15 degrees as we pulled into the parking lot. Fortunately it wasn’t windy at that time, though it did get a little brisk later on in the afternoon. It’s crazy to think that it’s tolerable in that temperature, but it actually is. As long as you cover up all of yourself and get moving, it really doesn’t feel so bad. It was a really gorgeous day anyway!
It was decided that we skip the trip to Bromley Mountain all together after hearing that just the day before, the temperature at the top of that mountain was something like -20 degrees and so windy that one of the lifts was closed. So, we returned to Willard. It was overcast and lightly snowing on and off all day and though it was slightly warmer, it was still crazy cold enough to continually kill the battery on my camera and lock the retractable lens cover. 🙁
Saturday is the day of the family Christmas celebration. Just before leaving for the Hall, everyone gathered outside on the front porch for a family photo opp orchestrated by Dad…outside, while it was snowing. It was cold, but I’m sure the picture will show that it was worth it.
The gathering at the Hall is always more festive when there’s snow outside, so we were thankful for that again this year. And more than that, many family members were able to attend – another blessing, one that made for extra actors in the annual Christmas play. There was also a baby shower to celebrate a new addition to the family, and lots of games and conversation among the kids and guests. And later on back at the farmhouse, the kids enjoyed a game of “Bull” using Gabriel’s supersized cards.
The next morning brought another small gathering back at the farmhouse for breakfast. Later, the quads were fired up for a little fun. I’m convinced that the only way to learn to enjoy the cold is to find something fun to do in it.
By the time we left, the temperature finally warmed up to a balmy -5. 14 degrees in Mohrsville, PA doesn’t seem so bad anymore. 😉
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! Blessings, peace, and joy in the new year.
-Marie
