Christmas Eve

Party the first is over, and it was a fine success. But first, let's look at the lunchtime scene from yesterday. I can't believe how big Sophie is getting. She's got such an independent streak in her - lately she's been insisting on sitting at the table like a big girl, and it's so cute, although she's having a hard time with the concept of staying put through the duration of the meal.



My cousin, his wife, and her parents came over for dinner and brought with them gifties for the girls...



Julie got a Dora-branded dancing-mat game, and Sophie got a Fisher-Price Little People dinosaur set.



And then it was time for the game. It involves drawing numbers, taking turns opening presents and/or stealing gifts from others. We started off with quite the stack.



Sophie was in charge of opening gifts at my turns.



Julie was deemed big enough to play the game in her own right.



Some of the prizes are actually desirable to one extent or another. Other gifts are a little - well - less so. Here's cousin Ron having just opened a Jesse Ventura action figure doll. Sophie was quite interested in it. And by the way, yes, this is my cousin Ron who was shot in the chest last month. He is on the mend, but still has a way to go. He was obviously tired and in some pain, especially as the evening wore on. But, thank the gods, he was here, playing Uncle Ron to the girls. He is really good with children, and my girls love him.



Finally, the party was over and Joe and I were cleaning up. He spent a few minutes sorting through the game prizes, culling out the stuff we couldn't use in the end. And then I caught him playing with Jesse. I'm not even going to tell you what he was doing to our poor ex-govenor.



Julie left a plate of cookies and veggies out for Santa and his reindeer. Look! They must have been here because someone has nibbled at it all and eaten the cookies.



Oh, and look! The stockings are full.



And now it is time for me to go to bed. Joe's parents are coming over for present-opening and brunch at the crack '0 dawn. Tomorrow will be a busy busy day.