CHRISTMAS DAY

Guess who I found peeking out of my stocking?

On Christmas day I was shocked to find son Austin and grand-dog Izzy awake just as early as me. It was nice to have company for a change, while I waited for the sun to come up and rouse everyone else.

Calvin's First Peek

Christmas Jammies?

Ooh! Wow! A Guitar! And a House! And Blocks!

Have you ever heard of the game called Watch Ya Mouth?

It involves a little plastic device that prevents you from using your lips when you speak. You have to read whatever is on the card you pick (usually something with lots of p's and b's and m's in it) and your partners have to try and guess what you are saying. It can be pretty dang hilarious!

Every few years Santa runs across a new "weapon" that catches his eye -- usually some version of a Nerf gun -- and he can't resist buying one for each of the kids. He usually tucks them out of sight, then tells them all at once so they can make a mad dash for them and run outside to battle it out. The first one to get outside and get their weapon loaded has the advantage of being able to bombard the others as they come out the door. This year it was "silly string" guns!

Calvin wants in on the fun!

After a big brunch feast prepared by Papa John, the others got dressed and headed off to the movie theater, while Calvin and I stayed here to play with our new toys. He seemed happy enough, even though I noticed dark purple shadows under his eyes, and that he was constantly rubbing them and his nose. However, when he woke up from his nap, he was decidedly UN-happy, and wouldn't stop sobbing until Mama and Dada came back, quickly loaded up their car, took him home, and made a doctor's appointment for the next day. Come to think of it, that's pretty much how last year's celebration ended too!

Sure enough, the doctor says he seems to be suffering from allergies, just like his daddy.

Why, oh why, does Cedar Fever season have to coincide with the holidays?

Luckily, son Austin had a new friend to play with, after everyone else deserted him.

Meet Vector, his tiny robot!