What did Delaware for Christmas?

Mr. Pickle had a wonderful Christmas with my pals Ryan and Alaina and their beautiful dog Cody on a trip east to the tiny state of Delaware from December 22-30. (A state he has never been.) They are ALL champion runners, and Mr. P was trying his best to keep up with those three. They are the fastest people I know. There were plenty of road stops, family times, running, chilling, snowball throwing, and doggy petting on this trip. Here we go:

Mr. Pickle rode in Ryan's hydration pack while running in White Clay Creek Park and Middle Run Valley Park. Mr. P's favorite part was the break they took on the Mountain Goat Trail when he looked out from the tree. Ryan reports that they ran 7 minutes per mile on trails! 

 

They saw an old fieldstone structure that Mr. Pickle was very interested in.What's inside, dude?

Playing dead?

Trails. To run. Or being carried in.

Pickle loves signs. He respects other trail users. 

Take it to the bridge, y'all.

On another day, Mr. P also went for a run with Ryan, Alaina, AND Cody! This time it snowed; the first snow of the season there. Mr. P was almost more excited than Cody to run in the snow. This time they ran 6.5 miles on the trails in White Clay Creek Park.

And... They're off. Hang on, Mr. P!

Mr. P joined Ryan's entire family for a trip to Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Such greens!! That waterfall sure was pretty.

Hey, symmetry.

Such a pretty greenhouse, so full! Mr. P could totally get lost in this place. Literally.

But not here! Mr. P enjoys the colors.

Oooooh magical. Mr. P is pretty entranced.

He was SO excited to see Thomas the Tank Engine! Chugga chugga woooo woooooooo!

Behind the scenes of Pickle photo action. There are TWO pickles! 

Mr. P and Alaina spy on a fancy dinner garden set-up.

How beautiful is this? Mr. P wondered if they were serving pickles at this function.

 

Christmas! Presents! Wrapping paper! Cody! Holy moly! 

Mr. P was quite amused and happy to join in on the holiday festivities with Ryan's clan. He helped open presents and joined in a family sing-a-long of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Ryan reports Mr. Pickle-face has perfect pitch. Who knew!

Ah, time to put the feet up and relax by a toasty fire. He enjoyed reading books at watching TV. Apparently his new favorite TV show is Homeland, and he really enjoy the book Sorta Like a Rockstar.

~~

What a fantastic trip! Mr. P was glad to be back in the running game, and glad to spend the holidays with a great family.  He was also THRILLED to have a week with Cody Bear and to visit at state he'd never been to before. 

Where are you taking him next?! He's ready for a beach. Actually, I am too,

A Pickle's Christmas

I was happy to send Mr. Pickle off with my friend Miss Olivia on a trip to Atlanta, Georgia from December 23-28. He had a great holiday with her while she visited with her family. No pickle Christmas would be complete without elves, cookies, cupcakes, and pigs!

 First up was meeting the Elf on the Shelf. It kept an eye on Mr. Pickle and his new friend, Olivia's 3 year old niece Madison, as they waited for Santa to come.

 Of course Olivia had to get to baking some fabulous treats, and of course Mr. P had to get it on the fun. Check out that dandy lil apron! No flour mess on this pickle.

 He enjoyed being tucked in for a cozy slumber.

 Play time! First up was an ABC board game.

 Then some quality time playing with his new farm pals. (Talk about anthropomorphic bliss!)

 He took a ride on the Pink Pig! Macy's Pink Pig has been a popular holiday attraction in Atlanta since 1953. Families (and pickles) line up for a ride on the Pink Pig.

No trip would be complete without some quality munching. Mr. P and his hosts enjoyed soup and sweets at Dulce Vegan. YUM.

All in all, he had a fabulous holiday, relaxing with his new friends. He's looking forward to getting back out in the world. Will it be with you? 

His winter is pretty open, and he's looking forward to an adventurous 2012.

email nomadicpickle [at] gmail.com if you want to take him somewhere.