For the first time in several years, we are celebrating Christmas differently as a family. Instead of the usual madness with dinners and giving of presents at either of my sister's houses, we have packed up and drove ourselves up to across the state to get away from it all.

I am all about making memories, and what better way to make memories than be with my family some place else. It may only be a few hours drive from our respective homes, but it's far enough away. The terrain is not the same -- more deserty, dry, and colder than the west side of the state. 

No presents for the grown-ups this year -- just time with each other hanging out in a beautiful house along the Columbia River. I feel 300x better about this decision already. A few days with family eating and playing under one roof is all I want this Christmas.

And wherever you are in the world, my family and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!