Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime

Today's title is an ode to Andy's least favorite Christmas song.  In fact, it's probably too nice to say "least favorite," when he has nothing but hatred for Paul McCartney singing about what a great day he's having.  I asked Andy why exactly he hates it so much (because I don't particularly mind it).  He said it was the lyrics, the music, the singing, and the fact that Paul McCartney is "phoning it in."  In Andy's words "Nobody is having a Wonderful Christmastime with that song playing." Well okay then. In the spirit of sharing, if we were to name the post after my least favorite Christmas song, it would be called "I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus" because that song is gross, weird, and annoying all at once. But I digress! 

Today we took the day off, dusted off the ol' snowshoes and headed up to Flattop for a short hike (short mostly because it was only 3 degrees outside up at the mountain, admittedly a vast improvement from the -1 at our house.  BRR!).  Despite the cold, it was an incredible morning.  

I don't really need to zoom to help you see Denali better, but I will anyway.  How pretty! Also, I know it looks like we just caught sunrise (we did) and so it makes it seem like we got up at some crazy hour to go for our hike.  I think it was about 10:30 when we took these pictures.  This is what happens in December in Alaska.

Despite the cold, we were in good spirits - especially Ripley who loves running in the snow.

Did I mention it was a really pretty morning?

Ripley spent much of the time running around like an idiot.  This is why he's totally passed out on the couch right now.

Enjoying the sunrise...

Ripley did some posing.  He's really good at posing and showing off his beardsicles.  

On the way back to the car, we ran into a skier with a dog.  Ripley and he got along like best buddies.

Photographic evidence that I exist.  I realize I haven't had my picture on the blog in awhile.  I know you've all been missing me.

I even let Andy take a picture of my face to document my final day as a 31 year old.  Two takeaways from this picture: (1) going outdoors without any makeup on is no longer an option, (2) I need a different hat.

We hope you're all having a wonderful Christmastime.  I'll let Sir Paul take it away...And yes, I did make Andy watch this video.