Looks like the (still sleeping!) boys will see some snow flurries today. 1-3" predicted for tomorrow in Baltimore. Eh, I guess I'll take that over...well, more?

Waiting for the carnage to commence.

Aaaand, we've got one up and moving....

I can't believe I might have ruined my computer for christmas. I am grinchy McGrouchypants over here. I want to go home.

And some kid is getting spanked for touching my stuff. Oops.

Christmas report! (Christmas is over. I'm sorry. I don't know what to tell you.)

Since we moved to this neighbourhood, Wallybee has been looking for a suitable church. Our research into local schools led her to a Lutheran church attached to a school. We all attended Christmas services in the morning. Wallybee is making plans to invite the pastor over for lunch sometime. Church: WIN!

Roasted for lunch: beef, pork, potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potato, onion. In addition: rocket and capsicum salad with cashews and an orange and ginger dressing. Yorkshire pudding. two mustards, horseradish cream, applesauce. Gravy! Forgot to buy gravy yesterday. Found it at a service station (supermarkets all closed). Gravy included mustard, red wine, and in the words of Paul Kelly, a dollop of tomato sauce for sweetness and that extra tang. Dessert included apple pudding and brandy custard. Lunch: WIN! Wallybee: DOUBLE WIN!!

Ryan received pressies from multiple sources. Favourite was a ride-on wagon with many sound- and music-making buttons and knobs. His attachment to it may be measured by the intensity of the meltdown he underwent when separated from it for lunch. Other gains: Sesame Street luggage packed with a large stuffed Tigger, Sesame Street-themed shapes bowl. Alphabet and number books "found on the island of Guam". Pressie: WIN!

My brother Brendan came over for dinner, stuck around for dinner and games. Ryan got up from his nap, came out to see his uncle (whom he's met before, I should state) and burst into terrified sobbing. Refused to eat his yoghurt or his dinner in the same room. Uncle: FAIL!

Presents from the parental unit: D sent me a pen set and some Ralph Lauren cologne. He sent Brendan an identical pen set and cologne. Wallybee received fridge magnets. Parental pressie: FAIL!

Aside from that hiccup, though, Brendan was great company. We played Odin's Ravens. I took the first game with some cunning Odin play, and the second in a straight race. Third game clinched it after a marathon effort. Conversation was as usual wide-ranging and rarely dull. Oh, and he brought a couple of very palatable wines, a sparkling shiraz and a noble riesling for dessert. Sibling: WIN!

We've toned down our own presents this year, largely courtesy of having to shell out some unexpected big bucks to fix our hot water system. For the day itself I gave Wallybee a mix CD, large with the schmoop. (Opening track: broke out the Bruno Mars.) Musical schmoop: WIN!

Ryan, meantime, was quite adorable all day, and continues to express more and engage more. Except with his uncle. Especially delightful at bedtime, with songs and giggles. Little Man: WIN!

All up, this was a great Christmas. And now, off to bed to prepare for Boxing Day aftermath. Happy Christmas all!

Oh, ita, that bites. But give it time! Maybe it'll dry out.

I'm confused about bt eating rockets in his salad, but the rest of his Christmas sounds awesome.

I'm confused about bt eating rockets in his salad,

That's arugula in American.

Okay, I'm on the plane now. I'll stop pouting. And read or draw.

I'm on the train to my sister's.

I'm watching people on TV make cookies and cupcakes, and now I want some.

Thanks for the detailed Christmas report, billytea! Glad there was more win than fail. Your parents' gift reminds me of the desk set that wanted to fly in Dead Poets Society.