Saturday - Saturday

The Triad (minus Edgar, who is outside).

Reflections 

On Saturday, Erin and the kids arrived,
and we took them all to see the
stage production of The Little Mermaid.
It was a hit.

Then on Sunday,
down to the country for
 Christmas at the cabin.

We took the ATV back into our woods
and let them collect what they wanted
to build Fairy Gardens:
sticks, stones, bark, berries, moss, etc.
Added to these were things I brought from home.

Helping Chris put up the trampoline.

They were jumping long before it was finished.

Eventually, Chris got the safety net up;
I don't have pictures of the completed set up,
but it was a lot safer.

Christmas Eve (afternoon) the girls took a ride
in an old boat pulled by the ATV.
Alternating sun and clouds.

That night, we played games,
 sang Christmas songs,
and did puzzles.

Finally, we read A Child's Christmas in Wales
(a long-standing tradition at our house),
taking turns, letting everyone, adults and children,
 have a chance to participate.

Even Bryce Eleanor, who wanted to read, too,
 because Max and Mila were, had her chance
as Amelia whispered the words and B.E.  "read" them.

The last line was appropriate:
"I said some words to the 
close and holy darkness,
and then I slept."

Christmas Eve, late, after the kids had gone to bed,
freezing rain and a few snow flakes.
Such a contrast from one day to the next.



Rain poured from the middle of the night
until late morning on Christmas Day.
Santa was good this year,
but the best was having everyone together.

The whole family (with the exception of
Megan, Drew, and Jack)
came down for a very late lunch.
Seventeen in all.

Too much food.
As usual.
But so good.

Erin, Mila, and Max went back
to Baton Rouge
on Wednesday.

I stayed until late afternoon--
a little final cleaning
and enjoying the quiet
and the peace of the country.

Then some recovery time.
And here it is, Saturday, again.
Thinking about a New Year
and reading
The Dalai Lama's Cat.