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!