| Each year, my mother meticulously puts up her Christmas tree after Thanksgiving. Attention to the details, such as garland, lights and her amazing ornament collection could rival the now incarcerated Martha Stewart. Notice too, the picturesque arrangement of gifts beneath the tree, just out of the reach of the scalding flames of the fire place. Ahh, Christmas. |  |
| Stockings were hung on the railing with care. Obviously St. Nicholas was already here. The most notable part of this picture is that Cindy has her own stocking. For as long as I can remember, there have only been 4 stockings with names on the railing. Sure, there were a few guests who enjoyed blank stockings, but this year marked the unveiling of Cindy's official ticket into the family, her own Christmas stocking. I think this relationship is getting serious. |  |
| Just because Cindy had her own stocking, her status on the naughty or nice list was a bit tenuous due to all those sneaky trips to high places she made us take this summer. Here she is in last minute damage control mode, trying to butter up the Big Guy. |  |
| On Christmas morning, I could hear the thump thump of an adult man running around the house, anxious to open his gifts. Here's Dad waiting excitedly for the cue to open presents. Notice the boyish enthusiasm! Contagious, no? |  |
| Maybe it's a pony?! |  |
| Once the gifts were opened, we opened the oven and found this nicely cooked turkey ready for eating. Notice the time 1:23, spooky! |  |
| Around Christmas time, we like to take in random folks and give them something to eat. Here is a nice boy from Union who showed up at our doorstep for some holiday cheer. Company for the holidays is always nice. Meanwhile, I was getting my best "potential-security-risk-psycho-drunk-passenger" look going for our plane trip back. I didn't get frisked at the airport, so I suppose I'll have to try harder next time. |  |