Xiaoniu 小妞

I didn’t take too many pictures this year. It was nicer to enjoy the day with the kids instead of spending the day behind the camera. Not to mention viewing pictures of present after present can be monotonous.

James showing off one of his toys at his home.

A classic toy: Lincoln Logs

Our tree with our gifts and the one that Santa brought the night before.

Emelia’s Cozy Coupe (30th year edition), which is another classic, just not as classic as Lincoln Logs (yet).

Caitlin and Mommy watching Emelia slowly pick at his stocking presents.

Emelia contemplating a present.

This tag made my day.

Emelia giving Caitlin’s Inchworm a try.

婆婆 holding 百灵.

百灵 with her eyes open.

The big kids “posing” with the presents for the rest of the family. I’m not sure why they decided to squat. Little girls looks like she’s ready to make a puddle.

Emelia posing in front of her Tinkertoys (just for girls). These ones are plastic and not wood, but they seem to hold up well. They will get a lot of use as Emelia likes to build things.

Caitlin learning the ropes.

My big girl riding on her toy. This one isn’t new, but it did get plenty of use on Christmas day.

Christmas dinner that Sue and I cooked. I made the roast beef (top sirloin) and the potatoes. Sue made green beans and apple sauce. Amy helped us burn the buns . Sue made up lots of cookies and stuff for dessert (not shown). This was one of the rare occasions when we used our good silverware. I really enjoy using them. They’re a nice heavy stainless steel.

Medium roast top sirloin with fluffy mashed taters (plenty of butter and cream).

Sue’s string beans and apple sauce.

For dessert we had cookies that Sue baked the night before. They didn’t last long.

I have more videos to upload. I’ll post them later.

As for gifts I think we all made out well. For once I bought Sue gifts that she’s unlikely to return. I got her a couple of good cook books, some jelly roll pans, a second silicone mat for baking and the Harry Potter movie. She got me lots of good gifts including a solar/hand crank radio and a solar/hand crank lantern (for the times when we lose power), work shoes and shirts, slippers and jeans (my first new pair of jeans in 10 years, the second set came Jason and Lily). Emelia got plenty of new clothes and some nice new toys. The Cozy Coupe is for her, but both girls like it. Caitlin also got new clothes and toys. The Inchworm is for her, but she’s a bit too small and light weight to make it work. Emelia can barely move it.

Overall it was a nice, calm Christmas. We spent the entire day in pajamas and did nothing but hang out, eat like pigs and play. It wasn’t until Sunday before I shaved; four days of stubble/beard. Nice.