Today we made our way to Chapin Park in Kirtland where we put on snow shoes and hiked a few trails. Though very cold, the day was picture perfect--bright with sunshine. It was a marvelous walk in the park.
Barbara has her snow shoes on and is ready to go!Jim is ready too. Come along with us on the trail.
Beautiful scenery reminded us of how winter is a very special time to observe nature. Our trail led us down the middle of this ravine. (Click on the picture to enlarge.) Jim enjoys a post hike warm-up--a cup of hot tea. After our hike we stopped to admire the nearby Kirtland Temple. It was the first house of worship for the followers of Joseph Smith, Jr., who founded the Latter Day Saint movement in western New York in 1830.
The Holidays 2007 were very busy and filled with great family times. Activities included:
* Zoll family gathering at John and Karen's in Pittsburgh. The fun included a jubilant celebration of Dad's 80th birthday, complete with everyone singing "Ode To David Zoll"...the musician of O-HI-O! * Dinner and Cleveland Orchestra holiday concert with Patti and John. * Dinner, A Christmas Carol performance and visit to the Christmas Story house in Tremont with Birgitta and Ray. * Visits with Jen and Tom, and Kathy. * Christmas Eve special time with Carly. * Christmas Day festive brunch at Carly and Tiffany's. * Visits in New York City with Melanie and Mo; Lexi, Jeff and Michaela; and Nicole and Darrell; and, a potluck dinner with just about everyone including Amine. Unfortunately, Darrell and Mo had to work and could not join us at the potluck. The trip included a very special visit with Michaela to the Long Island Children's Museum. We had a superb time with Michaela--reading, playing and having fun putting her new kitchen together. (See below and also The Pearce Family blog.) All in all we received the royal treatment, including great conversations, Broadway plays, dinners out, a brisk walk through Central Park and a visit to the Cooper-Hewitt Museum. The drive to and from New York was in almost perfect weather. Whew!
Below are some photos and a video. Thanks to Lexi for sharing several photos!
Happy 80th! Karen and John pause for a photo op. Jen won the "prize" in the under $5 gift exchange. Jacob and Jonah try out their new Wii game, a gift from Grandmama and Grandad. With John and Patti at Severance Hall. Carly and Scout get into the Christmas spirit on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve visit with Tom and Jen... and Kathy! Michaela sports a hard hat and highway safety jacket at the Long Island Children's Museum. Michaela serves GB a pretend dinner, fresh off the "hot stove" in the Mongolian model hut in the Children's Museum. Michaela happily checks out her new kitchen, a gift from Grandad and GB, which Dad and Grandad had just assembled. Christmas portrait with Santa. A chef's apron with Michaela's hand prints in colors that match our kitchen. What a great Christmas gift! Nicole and Darrell outside the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in Manhattan. Getting ready for the potluck at Melanie and Mo's. Amine pauses from playing computer games to strike a pose. Birgitta and Ray pause after touring the Tremont house in which the movie A Christmas Story was filmed. Michaela crosses a bridge at the Long Island Children's Museum.
Jim is ready too. 
