Glory to the Newborn King, Right There on the Mantel

We also unpacked the creche this weekend.  As you know, it is substantial.  In addition to the Holy Family gathered round the major, the arrival of the baby Jesus is celebrated by creatures in a number of areas.  Working from left to right on the mantel--oh you read that right, Fans, the mantel (the creche extends for a good portion of the length of the mantel), we have: the African and Asian continents; the farm; the woodlands; the ocean; the Arctic; and the angels, on high.  Well o holy night.  Each year, the bambini each select a new member to join the menagerie.  Fans, we will not keep you in suspense: we are pleased to announce the arrival of a pig (christened Wilbur, naturally) and a shark to our mantel.  The menagerie's ranks actually swelled by two more this year because Ted decided he wanted a penguin and a polar bear--hence the creation of the Arctic area, complete with an ice berg, which longtime Fans (and even longer time creche watchers among them), will perhaps have noted are entirely new area.  It's a real glory to the new born king.

Tree Trimming

These past few years, we have take to putting up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving.  This year was no different, except for the bit where Ted and Grandpa Charles had to restring the lights because a good portion of them were out.  Our Hero still loves to trim him a Christmas tree, Fans.  Though he is learning at he heels of a master Christmas tree trimmer (also known as Grandma Connie), Our Hero's enthusiasm for the task still outstrips his abilities.  That's why most of the ornament hanging occurs when Clara is napping or both bambini are being wooed with something they love more than tree trimming: swimming in a pool.  Our strategy is to begin when the bambini are about, complete most of the decorating when they are not, and finish up when they are back about so they, too, can take it all in with contented sighs--or try to touch every single ornament they can reach.

We Did Not Fall Into the Gravy

Our Little Turkeys

You thought we fell into the gravy, didn't you, Fans?  Well, we have been up to all kinds of things since last we left you and time flies. Grandma Connie and Grandpa Charles were up from Chicago to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with us. They came with all kinds of fun things to do: ornament making kits, gingerbread house building kits, new books, princess mirrors to decorate, Lego sets. . .So we were terribly busy constructing things, glitter glue-ing it up, reading, making turkey. . .

Over that turkey, we all shared something for which we were grateful this past year. Turns out, we were all grateful for our family that loves us through thick and thin.  And school.  Birdie is grateful for school. Our cups runneth over.

"Grandpa Charles, this Nancy's got nothing on me.  Oh, I'll show her fancy."

Grandma Connie was in charge of the icing.

It takes a very steady hand. . .

The Bambini Visit Ms. Debbie

The bambini got haircuts yesterday.  They are always very excited to visit Ms. Debbie and Ms. Debbie never disappoints.  She gave Clara curls, a purple half pony, and a blue ribbon.  Our Birdie felt just like a princess and was so excited she could barely keep still.  Joe was allowed to sweep up and use the central vacuum system with which he has been taken ever since learning of its existence.

So excited about my curls and purple half pony and blue ribbon that I can't stop waving my hands!

Scarfing it up just like Mommy.

Ready for my close-up.

Can't look at you.  Too busy sweeping.

Just A Picture. . .

Birdie, for her part, can often be found drawing pictures, or adding to the outlines of princesses that usually Ted has drawn for her.  She has taken to hanging them about the house with the blue painters tape (that we might as well buy in bulk).  Here are a few of her recent efforts.

Practicing curly hair!

Princess in sunglasses!  (Like Mommy.)