So, here’s what we’ve been up to. . .
Christmas Eve, Rollie came down with quite an ear infection. Quint took good care of him.
We spent Christmas Eve at Leelee’s house. There was much cuteness of children and stuffing of our faces, and dogs running around, and Cecil drinking scotch. Todd and I brought the kids home afterwards and tucked them in, then readied for Santa Claus. Luckily, this year there was no Victorian dollhouse to put together. Which basically means we lay out the loot under the tree, stuff the stockings, and pour ourselves a well-earned nightcap. I usually watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve, but i am a good wife and I let Todd kill zombies instead. Oh, Holy Night. . . .
I played with my camera. I just love a Christmas tree in the dark.
Rollie got a Hot Wheels bike from Santa. I love that green color.
Tiller got a Hello Kitty bike. I wish it came in my size.
I love a Christmas tree in the dark.
I used to sit in the living room in Roswell, in the dark, and just look at the tree.
This is an ornament Vanessa gave me years ago. I love it, but it is heavy and i have to tie it down on the tree so that it doesn't fall.
This is an ornament my sister gave me. It looks like snow. I can't believe we haven't broken it yet.
The next morning, Tiller found the stockings and didn't even see her bike at first!
Tiller was beside herself. Pure joy.
Rollie didn't feel good and we could tell. He wasn't really amped up at all until he got Monster Jam tickets in his stocking. Santa is kind of an asshole, as he only left two tickets, so Tills and I am on our own that night, I guess. Sigh.
Todd and I drank coffee, cuddled, and untwisted a lot of twisty ties and rubber bands from cardboard.
That afternoon, Mom, Dad, Lisa, Mark, and Dash came over. We all opened gifts, drank wine, played toys with kids, and made a lot of noise.
Two generations. Not sure what Tills is doing here.
Rollie really didn't feel well. You can see him feigning excitement here.
Tiller decided to throw a tantrum during gift opening. Always fun to discipline your child in front of your parents.
These things just aren't that exciting. I just don't get it. Robotic hamsters?
Alex was a gift unto himself.
Birdie didn't really get the whole Christmas thing. He could have gotten a lump of coal in his stocking and he would still have this look on his face.
After the dishes were clean and dinner done and kids in bed, we finally go to relax.
So, let's talk gifts. My dad got me these. As far as gifts from Dads go, this is not bad. V. comfortable, not offensive to look at.
My sister got me these and also an awesome necklace. She buys me the best gifts. I also kind of like my camera skills on this one.
From my mom, who evidently still thinks i am six. Yes, i am a 37 year old with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer pjs. Note the Abominable Snowman.
These are the best. LOVE getting these from the kids. I see myself crying over them for years to come.
I have a thing for the Black Cat Fireworks logo. It cracks me up, always has. Todd finally got the hint and got me a Black Cat shirt! Rowr!
He also got me a thermometer. Lisa rolled her eyes that I would get excited over this, but I love getting stuff for my yard, and nature-type stuff.
So, i saw that Todd had put The Monsters of Templeton on his wish list. He noticed the same thing on my wish list. We both got one for Christmas. From each other. Much laughter ensued. I am thinking we maybe need to spend a little time apart, or by next year, we might be wearing matching Christmas outfits. On the plus side, we can have our own little book club. At least for one month.
Todd also got me the Merge Records book I've been wanting to read. Will probably start this one next. Yay! That cover photo makes my heart pogo.
The next morning, we got up early, kicked my parents out, and headed for Auburn.
While we were there, the kids got some time in on their new razors, and I had a few heart attacks.
We did some hugging.
And Tiller pitched another fit. . .
And then we hugged some more and rode the dinosaur at the park.
Then more hugs with Uncle Lyle . . .
And even more hugs with Lyle and Denise.
We had lots of fun, and my in-laws spoiled the kids, and I didn’t get one single picture of my niece, Luci. We left on Monday and came back to Atlanta. On the way, we decided to stop and get fireworks, which was funny, because I was wearing my new Black Cat shirt.
Kids with Todd at Black Cat Fireworks store.
Since then, we’ve been recovering from Christmas, putting away the loot, stuffing our faces with cookies and drinking wine. Yesterday, we felt we needed some fresh air and exercise, so we hiked up Stone Mountain with the kids. I had my doubts about whether they could make it, especially Tiller, but she didn’t lag at all. She picked her way up the mountain like a mountain goat. That’s her new nickname. The Mountain Goat. We didn’t have to help them at all, which as a parent, is nice.
Taking a rest on the way up.
Tiller looking stoic, while the boys cut up at the top.
I was kind of disappointed that no one had decorated this little tree behind us for Christmas. Also, please don't judge my fashion choices.
Todd had fun with perspective.
And they kids thought it was hysterical.
Rollie was rocking out, I guess. Not really sure, but he's a cutie.
One last shot overlooking downtown, before we head back down the trail. Tiller and I took off after this and kicked Todd and Rollie's asses. I'm just sayin.' You don't mess with The Mountain Goat.
I took some shots of Tills with the flags at the bottom, while we waited for the boys. Did I mention the Mountain Goat and her Mama beat them down the mountain? By many minutes? Girls rule, boys drool. (Tiller and I decided we wouldn't tell the boys that, though.)
All in all, we had a great Christmas vacation. Last night, I had dinner at Bistro VG with some friends from high school: Kevin Fagan and his fiance (she is awesome – they were in town from Richmond) and Jamie Kish and his wife, and Camille and Joe showed, too. Natalie didn’t show, which was disappointing. I ate a cheese tray and drank wine. Yum! The kids and todd went bowling today, and I am thinking about cooking dinner and building a fire tonight and perhaps playing some Beatles rock band. We shall see.
Them tomorrow, New Year’s Eve! We are having some friends over and their kids too. Should be interesting.
