Merry Christmas!

Tree decorating was a family affair this year:

Mimi was in charge of beads and ribbon...

Jeff was in charge of ornament placement...

And Monie and Ash had tree topper duty.

Grandpa John was on crowd control and managed the calls.

Monie pounded out a few originals.

Christmas Eve was again at Mimi's where the kids mugged for the camera.

A nice crowd shot of everyone filling their bellies.

Big Handsome sports the festive bow tie.

The camera seems to have overexposed just on Ollie... thanks, Mom!

Stan sandwich. Ingredients: One well aged beef cake between two hot buns.

Just the boys.

F'n flash in my eyes!

Surprise snuggles.

Always game for opening the traditional Christmas Eve gifts! Here is Ollie's very first!

Booze was apparently not on Ollie's list.

It is a long video, but it captures not only a super polite Simone ("oh my goodness!") and an adorable clapping "Handsome", but also a serenade by Great Avi!

Back at our place we read a little "NBC" and put out goodies for Saint Nick and Co.

Thank you to GAGA for the lovely book... Simone does her best to stay focused for the whole thing!

Mug o'milk with clever spot for cookie in the bottom. (Thank you, Grampa Dan!)

Christmas morning gratitude!!!

Magnifying glasses are the shizel!

I see you, Sistada!

I spy salad hair.

Grody 1...

...and Grody 2

Simone opens her Dress-Up Box and, "oh my goodness", is she ever polite and THANKFUL!!!

Our gorgeous princess poses with her beautiful gift. Thank you, Santa!

Ollie opens his Toy Box from Santa, with a few surprises inside:

Handsome checks his texts real quick.

Monie tries on her new purse from Aunty Grace.

New train table from Auntie Shilo!

Princess horse and carriage also from Auntie Shi!

Takes the jaws of life to get it out the box!

Books from Uncle!!!!!!!!

Hey Grinchy, look at my new horsey and toy trucks!

Daddy is surprised with some new planks. Bring on the pow pow!

New hats for everyone. Ollie's is actually a pillow shaped like an "O".
Wonder who put that there?

Sorry John, no MGB came with the new driving hat.

Grandpa gets a gift during round fifty of "Does everyone have one... ok, let's open."
Monie was Helper Elf again this year.

A whole yard of play-dough!

Ollie gets ready to try the tunnel for the first time!

Auntie Shi, aka Tickle Monster, gets a hold of Simonie.

Rocky Balboa? Nope, it's John!

...and Adriaaaaan!

Despite Mommy having the flu (and having to wear a mask at Christmas dinner!) and Mommy and Ollie having pink eye (and not being able to be around anyone!), it was a lovely holiday season! We were certainly spoiled with gifts and company and are all feeling very grateful!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!