Over the course of the evening we enjoyed Italian sausages, Philly cheese steaks, Bavarian pretzels, bagels and various warm beverages. Jeanine happily conficasted all my cash for the food purchases. Fortunately, all mass transit was free after 8PM allowing us to return to Concord without funds. 

We walked from the North Station to the Boston Common passing the state house along the way. First night draws 1 million people and we were happy to be on foot without the encumberance of a car. 

We were also joined by David Lishansky, Cray Novick, and Lydia Yoder, friends of Kyle, Nico and Maya rexpectively. 

For New Year’s Eve, we joined the Gutwillig family for a train ride to Boston, where we enjoyed the First Night 2008 celebration. 

We were treated to about 4 inches of snow on the last day of the year. I took a different route into work this morning and was rewarded with this tranquil scene. 

Nala also participated in crash victim rescue, a service which was frequently required. 

Of course, Nala had to escort the girls on every run. 

Maya and Sarinaugh sledding in the backyard. Recent warm temperatures and rain followed by sub-zero nights have left an ice coating on top of a 12 inch base. Perfect conditions for sledding. 

Rose defied all odds making her way into this world and I predict will continue to amaze us all with her strength and determination. 

Welcome my new niece Rose Calabria born on the 28th at noon weighing in at 7 pounds 5.5 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. Mark and Marie have now duplicated our parents’ family, 2 boys followed by 2 girls, and made me an uncle for the ninth time. Mario, Rory, and Sophia are reportedly thrilled with their new sister and I have three kids here who all want to know when we are going to Minnesota to meet their new cousin. 

I made a one day excursion to California today to evaluate an investment I am considering. Delays on every leg of the journey made it an arduous voyage and my itinerary left little time for sleep (2 hours in 36) let alone photography. I was able to grab this shot on final approach. 

Maya delights in the use of her new frappe maker. I returned home from work just in time to sample her fine work. 

Nala also received several gifts including these rawhide sausages. Although she did seem to enjoy them, she favored gnawing on our firewood kindling until we had a rug covered with small toothpicks. 

By mid morning, the adults were exhausted. Just in case you think we appear too relaxed I should point out that the lump under my left hand is Nicolai’s foot. When I ceased to rub it for more than a 3 second interval he would move it about until the massaging resumed. In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess I did the same thing with my head to coax more rubbing from Jeanine. Like father, like son I guess. Photo courtesy of Kyle.