Christmas 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner with Rich & Diane. We missed the boys but I can understand being mercenary...especially around the holidays. I am guessing they must have overspent on their parents (and each other) and needed to refill the coffers. I made my mother's favorite one pot supper, Ragout with garlic bread and Rich and Diane brought a delicious Ice Box Cake. Delicious and a fun evening with the shrinking family.

Thank you Rich and Diane for our new luggage. I will be able to use my new luggage during our exciting Christmas vacation to Batavia. We will meet up with Rich and his family and Hilary and her family on January 2nd at a hotel with an indoor pool for Joey. I can't wait and I will be sure to post our adventures.

I think being able to sleep until I naturally awake is the greatest gift of all. At 18, Ian is passed the 6am Christmas morning excitement and although I miss it, that is ok. I woke around 8:30, drank coffee, watched the birds and took pictures of the decorated house.... very quiet and enjoyable. Lo and behold, I heard the shower around 9:30 and it was Ian! He had set his alarm and was downstairs and dressed before Rob.

Ian is a very reserved present opener and he savors every moment. (And yes, every year Santa leaves Ian's white trash favorite in his stocking....spray cheese!)

I took about 40 pictures before I finally captured the rugby ball in the air. Ian was laughing hysterically and mercilessly making fun of my photography skills. At this point, the ball has bounced against every surface of the house and nothing has broken....yet.
Rob enjoying one of his new books, The Book of Genesis illustrated by R. Crumb. (Tom, you should remember Crumb from your Mother Jones days.)

The presents are opened, the paper is recycled and it has been at least an hour since Ian awoke and he is sound asleep. How does he do that? The hands...is that normal?