Merry Christmas

I know that I am officially a grown-up now. Christmas is over and I feel... relieved!

The kids tore through the presents with squeals of delight. We had a warm fire in the fireplace (burning all the wrapping paper, since there is no more room in our trash can). Everyone got exactly what they wanted, no one cried, screamed or threw a tantrum, and only one minor injury occurred all day. It was quickly remedied with a kiss and a band-aid.

We are now off on not one, but TWO vacations. We will meet up with the Morris family (Mark's mom, dad, two brothers, a one of the nephews) in the Grand Canyon tomorrow. We return on the 30th. Then we turn right around and head back out the door to Disney World on the 1st! In addition to Mickey and Minnie, we will be visiting our friends, the Knapps, who moved away to Florida last year.

I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas... and God bless us, every one.

Christmas Wishes

Caroline has long had an "imaginary friend" named Magnus. He's not a real imaginary friend (and isn't that an oxymoron!), just a character about whom she tells stories.

Magnus is "the world's naughtiest boy." Her tales of his exploits are always about the naughty behavior he indulges in. Even as an infant, Magnus would climb out of his crib and let animals out of the zoo or drive a race car. His sister Gwendolyn always tries, but fails to keep him out of trouble. Magnus is the founder of The Triple Trouble Bubbles, a club for naughty children in which Caroline, Colin, and Lani all claim membership.

This week, Caroline presented us with "Magnus' Christmas Wish List."

A DVD: "Magnus: Season 1, The Naughty Years"
A book: "One hundred and One Ways to Be Naughty"
Craft supplies: Dracula stickers
Electronics: a German Automatic

Yikes! Magnus just went from naughty child to serial killer! Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Only funny if...

... you've read all the Harry Potter books.

Colin was not getting his work done at school so the teacher suggested that he meet with her after school one day a week until he got caught up.

"Oh my God!" says Caroline. "He's taking Remedial Potions!"