Yes, it's been a while

Where does the time go? Working, commuting, reading books, giving baths, making lunches, playing with trains, and at this time of year - trying to pull Christmas together.

Last night was the annual nativity party in the old stomping grounds. Duff and Gail toned it down a bit this year, with only about 15 guests including 6 little ones. Despite the horrific weather, I did force my children to layer on the snow gear and head out into the snow to celebrate the birth of Jesus. If you are reading this then you know I'm not a huge church goer, and you may know I struggled mightily in high school with Sister (omg I can't remember her name right now!! Someone is sending me a message!!) Grayhair-Geigerjacket-Kiltpin. But this annual nativity scene really brings it home.

From the high production value flood light shining in the sky to represent the star of bethlehem - which we follow as we walk there in the cold (ok, yesterday we drove) to the costumed choralers, the live animals to the wall of trees that transform the school lawn; this is one night when you want to believe. The kids' eyes pop out while Silent Night is sung and a bright light comes on when Jesus is born. The trees part and there in the manger lies a baby with Joseph and Mary. Dogs bark, kids howl and the normally aloof Rowayton residents actually seem pretty humble. It all wraps up pretty quickly - then we go home for swedish meatballs and egg noodles. A great night all around and if I believe what Sister MARY taught me - then we even get a little grace for the effort.

Last night Rob & I did double duty - nativity then rolled into our neighbors' annual dessert Christmas party. With the kids in jammies as we left Gail's, we drove home and walked to the party. Always a great time - the kicker is the forced mingling that actually works. I won't reveal it in case I ever get around to replicating it for a party of my own (yes, with adults), but I have to give props to the downhill neighbors for pulling it off once again.

This morning we picked up the kids and they had each created a Christmas list. I think a Christmas list says a lot about a person, so I'm going to share.

Keelin: cat toy (i'm guessing one of those things on a stick you tease a cat with. No, we don't have a cat), unicorn, power ranger, rolley (apparently some dog on wheels that she thinks is funny), crystals (she said she had been learning about them in school with her teacher. I'm guessing that's a fib. Miss Tischler isn't much of a hippie and this IS only kindergarten), office supplies (serious), calculator (aka a "counting thing", and a computer.

Finn: skateboard, computer, half pipe, clock, watch, vegetables, green beans (god bless this kid), books, stamps, baseball uniform, fishing equipment, pirate booty (the food), paper, letter opener, power rangers, office supplies.

Lochlan: a bed

Good news for Loch is that Santa came early and dropped off his bed in the basement today. He had muddy boots and a Russian accent, but hey a bed's a bed, right? (You quick readers are marking your calendars for the inevitable "GASP! We don't have a crib any more" post coming soon)

I love that Finn wants vegetables from Santa. I'm surprised that he didn't ask for underpants because he was quite dismayed today at the Maritime Center when they had no kids boxers with lobsters on them. Men's yes, boy's no. When I suggested that we ask Santa for undies (picked up some boxers at Gap yesterday - PHEW) Finn gave me a scrunched uplook and said "Elves can't MAKE UNDERPANTS!!". I had to explain all the way home how that could possibly be true. Elves can indeed make underpants. Seriously.

And Keelin is just off her rocker. I wish I were 5 years old.

Happy Holidays All. Stay safe, be grateful and hug people tightly.

2.5 hours, 3 adults, 3 children, some vodka and four glasses of wine

That is exactly what it took to get Finn's new train table and train system together. But man does he like it!! Gigi and Baba brought this today for Finn's birthday on Tuesday.

We had a great party for Finn today - which I decided to do on Thursday. And guess what? a four year old CAN actually have fun without a monster-orchestrated gig.



We had no entertainer (despite my efforts) and he had no friends from school (given the still-hacked-up-kitchen situation), but Finn still had a blast. He dressed up like a pirate and the all ran around like banshees. Mark and Todd L (here in front of the fire!), Sophia F, Keara, Neala & Liam K, Kayleigh, Alannah & Declan F and Savannah were the kiddies. Add in some grandparent-types (who brought CAKE) , Roger/Francine and Susana (our old nanny) and we had a winner.


You may also notice that Keelin opted for formal attire for the early part of the party. Keep in mind we had about 2 inches of snow on the ground this morning - but she had on the taffeta and velour tank dress. Luckily she put on tights - which is more than Alannah F did! This is a shot of Alannah. I love the shot - not because I actually captured Alannah - but rather because I found something we'd been looking for. Any guesses?



Here's the birthday boy as the party wound down and he was able to open the first gift - his new race track. Cool as a cucumber with his candy necklace and the remote on hand. He had a wonderful day - thanks to everyone who came and made it a great morning/afternoon.

Four (or 3 + 363 days) is a pretty sweet place to be.