Christmas / New Years in Michigan

This year I spent my Christmas / New Year holiday in Michigan. It was a treat! Mostly because I hadn't been home during the actual holiday for the past few years, so it was very fun to see everyone but also because there was so much gorgeous snow on the ground!!! (Well, then it rained...) Here are some photos from my 2 weeks at home.

Winter Wonderland!Santa's Sleigh:)

Ryan and I tickling and laughing

Emily and Mom get Christmas started off the right way!

The tree at Tim and Dana's house. Christmas has a new meaning when there are little ones around to enjoy it!

Ryan, Dana and Jacob

The boys and I playing before dinner / presents
Tim, Mom and me...

Jacob and Grandma

Emily and Aunt Cindy

Ryan and Jake coloring

This year the little ones really enjoyed opening presents. They needed to take each piece of paper off very carefully:)

The little guys got a tent, sleeping bags, lanterns, backpacks and waterbottles from grandma for Christmas. Now they can sleep under the stars this coming summer!
Gus the big dog and the little kitten, Lola wish each other Merry Christmas!To work off all the holiday goodies and to keep in running shape I did a 4 miler on New Years Eve. I was really pleased with my results, 9 minute miles! Usually I am at 10 minute miles. This might be a sign that this will be a good running year! Or, that all the hard work with the ladies running group in Baku is paying off!!!

Shirin Flips!!!

Our sweet little 3 legged kitten (Shirin) is so funny. When it is feeding time she likes to do flips for us. Here is a short clip. Enjoy!

Girls Adventure Weekend and Marine Ball

Girls Weekend in S Azerbaijan, December 6-8.

Clotho, Patsy and I decided to go away for a long weekend, girls only! We went near Lankaran and Masalli which are in the southern part of Azerbaijan, close to Iran.

We loaded up the car (thank you Patsy for driving) with everything and anything we might need for an action packed girls weekend. We had our bikes, our hiking boots, yoga mats, running shoes and an adventurous spirit!

Yeah, actually we did miss Lankaran and almost ended up crossing into Iran! Patsy and Clotho pose beneath the road sign (one of very few).

One of the many fine eating establishments.

On the first night we stayed at a 'resort' called Relax. Wow, did we get to relax!!! Once we got there we went for a great hike and that night we slept for 12 hours!!!

On our hike we ran into some friends

Clotho and Patsy bundled up!

The fall colors were gorgeous!

The second day we did a lot of driving and found ourselves on another great hike.

We had a kind of 'Blair Witch' night on the second night. We didn't get to the lodge until late at night, it was dark and misty so we really didn't know the area. During the night, the little lodge (pic below) was shaking and leaves were rustling outside, we thought a person was shaking the lodge!!! We jumped into bed altogether because we were so scared about the shaking and noises.

Patsy letting an earthworm go in the woods.

On the way back to Baku we stopped at the beach in Lankaran...
Patsy and Katie doing their 'Beastie Boys' stance in the abandoned boat.
This is why the Caspian is dirty!

Patsy checking out whats in the teacup at the entrance to Lankaran.

Marine Ball, November 15. Every November the Marine's host a ball in honor of their birthdate. It is the event of the year for me, those of you who know me - I love a man in uniform and Marines are included! This party is always a great time, and this year was no different (ok, well the flirt factor was down this year a bit, stars weren't aligned - I guess).

Scott and I

me, Clotho, Chris, Patsy

me, Clotho, Chris