young and wild

Life would probably be a lot better if the adults ended their parties by running around, getting exercise, laughing and chasing one another. Then again, I don't want to make my chiropractor too rich.

reindeer food

The ancient recipe for reindeer food has been handed down from generation to generation. Apparently, reindeer are very regular indeed.

cupcakes

I was not actually present for the cupcake decorating contest but I am told on good faith that our daughter had to be distracted in order to stop her from emptying every single container of confectionary topping onto her solitary iddy biddy cupcake. That's my girl!

First cousins once removed

Spencer, Grayson, Walker, Schuyler, Charlotte, Mitchell (w/ Charlie), Dexter, Hugo, and Hailey

christmas cousins

Ardleigh set up a bunch of great craft things for the kids and they ate it up. Our child did so topless. In December. When record low temperatures were set (48F).

The kids learn that Christmas crackers go bang...

... and that they also contain presents, jokes and hats.

Charlie sleeps of his mama's eggnog.

Sarah, Grayson, J and Charlie

Sky, Hugo, Will and Dex/mini-Will

scarrington party

If our family needs to get together and have a great easy fun time together, we can always count on Ardleigh and Jamie to make it happen - especially for a cousins' bash. Here are just a couple of the touches that made Scarrington aglow with Christmas spirit.

Will, Lou, Dex, Hugo and Rustico

One of the most special things about this year's Christmas (aside from the everyday miracle of Charlie) is being able to spend Christmas with Kim and Wardy baby and will, Lou, Dexter, and Hugo. Schuyler can barely sleep each days because she is so excited to see her cousins. I'm sure Rustico is also happy about the expanded family prince during the recession.

xmas errands

Christmas errands start with a trip to monty's.

and include a diaper session in the front seat.

and end with exhausted toddler and parents and a wide awake and crying infant. C'est la vie.

bonding on the boppy

Above are our two kids who cannot speak English. In fact, even their grunts and whines are inarticulate. Still we're convinced they understand each other perfectly. I think this is one of their shunting sessions where they bond over the neglect they receive from their ever busy parents. Sorry guys. We are doing our best.