christmas break (or Winter Solstice if you're from Eugene)

Despite the city's efforts to dampen anything CHRISTmas, 

we had a very merry time in Eugene this year.  

 Santa hats came out of the attic and caroling occurred.

Christmas cookies were baked

and a Christmas puzzle completed per tradition 

(note the "puzzle board" which has a special place in the attic and is used for easy removal of puzzle when children are nearby)

Sean and Andrea visited and Nellie smiled

and the brown-eyed Perona girls posed for a picture with their blue-eyed husbands

 Spencer glued himself to Grandma as often as he could

and Nellie taught us a lesson about modesty

 Swings were swung, cooking was done, and gifts were hidden in freezers.

(note attached string which I found in my stocking)

 Mom's were hugged, walks were had, and babies were pooped out

(and worn incorrectly in the Ergo)

 Excitement was in the air and gifts were played with

Lightening McQueen entered our lives in every possible arena

and the non-picture taker asked to have a picture taken by his cars

  decorations were magical, including a basket full (or two) of bells

only made better by Nellie Belle herself perched on top.