James Street Estates

If you love Christmas lights, the best place in Bellingham to visit is the senior neighborhood James Street Estates. Almost every house participates in the Christmas light extravaganza, and it makes for three streets of twinkle. It's best experienced with children (as are most Christmas activities) because they get so excited. We turn up the Christmas tunes, ply the children with hot chocolate, and cruise the hood.

Leavenworth, Washington

EJVig took our daughters on the train to Leavenworth, Wash., for a little getaway. He snapped this picture yesterday. Leavenworth is a charming little pseudo-Bavarian town at the base of the Cascade mountains. It's always a popular tourist destination, but especially so at Christmastime. I'm glad they had fun, and even more glad they're back home, safe and sound!