Happy new year!

Aggie and the pumas

Henry and the snow

We took a family outing to Philadelphia yesterday, and hit the art museum, had lunch with friends, and then went to the zoo. A big success! And a mark of the kids' maturing; we'd never before attempted TWO major stops on one day trip. Agatha, though she missed her nap, was sweet and cheerful throughout, and Henry was... his usual self. When we were leaving the zoo, he was so wet and tired from stomping on every snow pile he could find that I carried him the last few yards to the car. "Mom, I love Philadelphia, I don't want to go home." he said. "There's so much SNOW here!"

Joy

We had a lovely Christmas. I missed those gone or far away, but embraced those nearby and dear. I hope you all did the same!

I look more surprised than Henry here at what Santa brought: a lego x-wing fighter with extra special figures. Henry actually said "I can't believe my eyes!" He was thrilled with it.

Building the fighter. Look at their identical postures!

Again, who is more excited unpacking the stocking, Agatha or Mommy?

Santa also brought a giant chocolate bar.

My angel.

For your listening pleasure...

Christmas cheer

Hello, long-lost readers! With the sporadic posting, I wouldn't blame you for straying. As my children grow and my life becomes less about the immediate panic of coping with tiny people, I find the compulsion to blog less intense. But it still fills an important role for me as a place to mark the moment. So here's one moment: our Christmas decorations this year are especially nice. The kids talked me into using colored lights on our tree and they look wonderful! I put up a small gold tinsel tree with our oldest ornaments, and I made a new wreath for that echoes the same retro colors. The kids-- Henry especially-- love decorating and crafts, and we made our best gingerbread house ever this year. With a couple of little snowmen sledding nearby. It's all very cheerful.

Christmas outtakes

It's been a bit of a rough week on Mary Street: a stomach bug flattened me on Tuesday, got the kids on Thursday, and came back for a second shot at me last night. But we've survived. We even managed to have some festive Christmas fun in between all the yucky stuff.

Santa suspicion

Henry keeping his distance, while showing Santa a picture of the Star Wars lego set he wants. Notice the careful calibration: he's not within arm's reach.