Back in 2003 we ventured up to Mt. Baker on Christmas Eve day for some sledding. The price was right (free) and we needed something to lift our spirits that allowed us to get out of town. On our way home, we decided to stop and see Trey's old boss who happened to be down on his luck too. Both of our families had less than memorable years and it was comforting to be in the presence of others who understood. Their cupboards were as bare as ours save for some choice bottles of wine from better days when business was booming. They happened to have received what they referred to as "chi-chi cheese" from a relative with gourmet taste and a champagne budget. We broke out some Saltines, loaded them up with the divine cheese and toasted to bidding our year goodbye. A tradition was born.

2004 was vastly improved over 2003 and, although we had few sorrows to drown, we all went sledding together and returned to our house for wine and "chi-chi cheese". The tradition has evolved, different families have joined us each year but two constants remain: sledding and breaking bread with dear friends on Christmas Eve.

This year we continued our cheese tradition two days before Christmas with the original family. Christmas Eve included sledding at Mt. Baker but it was just us and another dear family with three energetic boys. It was a beautiful day topped off by a delicious salmon dinner and rich conversation.

It was more "snowboarding than sledding" for my boys.

I may be getting too old for this but it sure was fun!

Go Ben! The next Shaun White.

Quinn gets some air.