Merry Christmas, Sweeties

We've had a fun day with John P. and Janet, Grandma Gene, R&N and the babies, and Nicolle's sister Mackensie. Here are a few photos (light on text, heavy on pix lately--but those are my favorite blog entries anyway).

John was up first, of course, fixing breakfast and getting the ambience right with Christmas music and lighting. We open presents in the front room, a much quicker event than in previous years. Here are Janet, Sergene, and John P.:

and Chris of course:

Our naughty kitty Hero participated from her habitual place in the Christmas tree. Next year I'm leaving off the candy canes (because of Johnathan) and the glass bulbs (because of Hero). We'll have a totally non-breakable and inedible tree.

Chris got a 120 gb iPod, and began instantly loading it:

And we had a Christmas dinner, orchestrated by John and prepared by everyone but me. John cuts the ham in his cool Christmas vest, and we eat.

We talked to Dave on the phone and Amy on Skype. All the grownups went to Benjamin Button and the kids and I stayed home and played. Good times! Now Nicolle and I are going out to watch Twilight, since I really do need the vampire research.

Another Party on The Farm

So John stayed in SLC to pick up Janet and John P. from the airport, and Chris and I drove down to The Farm for the usual Christmas Eve thing. We were late (as usual all day) and missed the Christmas Pageant, as Aisake now calls it, but were there for a story from Grandma E,
a piano solo from Justin,and the eats. Now home to bed.

Early Christmas

We planned a family party with B&B at R&N's on Monday, but it was too snowy, so we did it today. The main attraction was the animatronic pony, which was a giant hit with Colette.


"It's my pony," she said, "Grandma, Butterscotch doesn't like you." Although Johnathan was disturbed by Butterscotch at first, he finally agreed to sit for a photo.

Generally Johnathan prefers trucks.
Brett gave Chris a refurbishing on his first guitar, which was a big hit with Chris (he's been playing it in his room all evening).
Nicolle's sisters Michelle and Mackensie were there.

Bruce!

OK, I'll stop with this one, but it's got to be my favorite. Not that great of a video, but it's live, and that's most of the fun.

Come On Come On

I'm learning how to make a mix! Technology will not defeat me. Here's my favorite Mary Chapin Carpenter--a slow version of a slow song:

Fun with the Babies

We watched the babies over the weekend while Rob and Nicolle celebrated their anniversary. Here are Johnathan and Colette at breakfast:

here they bundle up to play in the snow:

and here Grandpa takes them out in the garden--oooh, cold and white!

The garden swing still works, even in the wintertime.

Tena's Party

A few pictures from the party at The Farm last night:
Brett gave Rob his Ninja outfit (but I think Nicolle appropriated it--maybe to wear when she's driving her cool new black car):
Grandpa John and Johnathan:

Grandma and Grandpa E:

Kelli, Damien, and Elias:

Colette and her incredibly cool Brattz Baby with unicorns: