Bath time

Laura took an accidental bath with the kids on the 26th.  After some early morning Zumba the next day, we had a tasty lunch at Olympic Bagel Company and said our farewells.
 
 
We miss everyone now that things are back to normal.  But we treated ourselves to a Hobbit date last night, complete with a real babysitter.
 
 
 

The Christmas quilt

The members of Gryphon and Alice’s extended family each have their place in the North Pole, in the Christmas quilt my mom gave us.  It even has 24 little ornaments to hang around the border during December!
  
  
  

Fun at home

Here's the view from the train, and a glimpse at Christmas morning here:

And here's the tour of our new house that Heather requested:

Christmas day

 
This year we implemented a 3-present limit, but it didn’t apply to children’s gifts and the kids enjoyed a 2-day marathon of unwrapping. 
 
My speed drawing paper came in handy.
 
 
  
Meowmers spent his time sprawled on the couch in ecstasy.

Not a creature was stirring

 
Returning home from the wedding, the kids were surprised to find another set of grandparents ready to play with.  Even “Aunt Lolo” (Laura) made the trip!
 
 
 
 
 
It was fun to put out presents and stuff stockings Monday night.  We found Gryphon’s mouse in the tree – don’t worry, he wasn’t stirring.
 

White wedding

 
Cheri’s brother James and his fiancé Stephanie were wed Saturday at the snow-covered Alderbrook resort overlooking Hood Canal.  Alice made a very enthusiastic flower girl.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gryphon and Alice tore up the dance floor with Mimi and Boppa. At the end of the night Alice said, “Pees, dance… gain?” Meanwhile, Granny got in touch with her Scandinavian roots.