Good Friends

Nora and Owen had a friend-packed weekend, which included their "friend for life" -- Miss Violet. We also bon voyage to our great pals Abe and Abigail, who are moving to Michigan this week. We'll miss you, Franks!

As you can see, good friends can be exhausting -- but in the best way possible!

A Minneso-tah Christmas

Despite double ear infections (or make that quadruple ear infections), Nora and Owen had a wonderful Christmas in Minnesota. Nora summed it up when she walked into Grandma's after our 11-hour white-knuckled car ride and said, "Grandma, I like coming to your house." Uncle Josh made a mogul in Grandma's backyard for the bigger kids (and a few adults, for that matter) so we could go late-night "sliding" (or "sledding" as Josh likes to correct us Minnesotans). Owen said it best on Christmas when he replied "OH my DOSH!" to each present on Christmas morning. "Peter Ryan" hooked up Owen with an extra Playstation control so he thought he was playing with the big boys. And the inseparable Rachel, Caitlin, and Nora team played with chapstick, dollies, and purses for days on end. We always look forward to our trips to Minnesota, and this one didn't disappoint!

Snowy Day

What a white Christmas we had! This day was after the first "layering" of snow. Even Nesta got in on the action!

Christmas at Meemah's

Our holiday revelry began with Christmas at Meemah's, where one has never seen ornaments so perfectly placed on a tree. I swear a ruler was involved! We spent the day eating, eating, eating -- including delicious endive wrapped in ham and smothered in gruyere, a buttery beef tenderloin, and to-die-for chocolate-covered pecans. The kids had a ball opening their gifts, while the adults struggled over putting back together what was supposed to be a kids puzzle. Thank you, Meemah!