Early Christmas Dinner

Turkey, clapshot (with kale instead of chives), string beans, carrots, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls (the last being pretty much all the kids would eat).

"Dada, what's this?"

After Christmas (and after the crowds have thinned), we'll go out and let them spend the money they got from Grammie and Grampa. Cam is beginning to understand how money works; Ian, not so much.

Bad Dog

Luci took the title of this gift for Grampa a bit too seriously....

Cam vs. Invisible Tape

Grammie used enough tape to ensure that prying eyes wouldn't peek inside the bags. (Actually, Joanna was very good this year and restrained herself.) Eventually, Cam had to get Grampa to help with his pocket knife.

Ian's New Phone

We opened presents with Grammie and Grampa on Sunday morning. Ian really enjoys his new cellphone — "Dada, it's Mickey Mouse!"

Ian & Luci

He was a bit hesitant around her this summer, but he had no problem with her this time.

Introducing the Pets

My parents drove down from Maine with their fifth wheel camper to spend a few days with us before Christmas, en route to parts unknown but warm. Luci is on her first such trip, and when she got here she got meet her first cat: Mickey. At first there was a bit of pawing and hissing, but eventually they both calmed down and got along well.