Grandpa's Christmas Surprise!

Having lived out of state for the last 18 years, one of the way's our family has adjusted to holiday gift giving is my Dad sends Chris and I a check to cover the gifts for the five of us. This year, I was teasing Dad that I was holding out on telling him what I bought for my self on his behalf, because Christmas is all about surprises. This way the gift will still be a surprise, except surprise is on him! I've been stringing this along for over a month now so I feel it is time to reveal the big news. I had a chance today to actually go out and use the gift that Dad and Bonnie got me. So without further adieu, I will reveal the surprise by way of pictures. Can you figure out what the gift is?

Nope, its not a hat, or a jacket, or an all expenses paid trip to Lake Minnewashta...

It's a pair of Atlas Snowshoes!

I found these Atlas Showshoes on the REI Outlet site a couple of weeks before Christmas for 75% off. I could not believe what a smokin' deal it was. I placed the order and anxiously waited for them to be shipped to my local REI for pick up. Well, I kinda misread the fine print and instead of arriving two days before Christmas, they arrived two weeks after Christmas! The good news is I have them now, and there is still plenty of snow on the ground. I did go Lake Minnewashta Park today and gave them a trial run. I had a great time, romping around off the beaten trail. Thanks Dad and Bonnie! It was a Merry Christmas!