Man at end of Christmas Season

IMG_7415, originally uploaded by RMilstead.

1,000 yard stare? Hardly. It was a great day and there are many stories that I hope to to share.

Here's the photographic summary:

Click here to see all 223 photos from December.

Click here to see Christmas 2008 photos.

Click here to see an interesting set that Tyler shot today.

Forgotten toast

IMG_7420, originally uploaded by RMilstead.

As evidence of our active Christmas Day was this piece of toast sat neglected from early morning until I shot this photo after 10 pm. Who didn't get breakfast?

Christmas Eve fog

IMG_2601, originally uploaded by RMilstead.

Building a Jay bird feeder

Building a Jay bird feeder, originally uploaded by RMilstead.

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Christmas excitement

Tyler has been counting down thanks to an advent calendar courtesy of George. Tonight he noticed that the stockings were hung and he exclaimed, "Now I can hardly wait!"

While in the car he pointed out that only Santa lives forever. He said that he and I won't live forever. This was a very matter of fact statement without regret or sadness.

We read the "Farolitos of Christmas" between lunch and dinner followed by "Three French Hens".

Twins update

Shoes have become a big deal for Alden and Sydney. This fascination sprouted simultaneously and no shoe is safe in our home. They will wear each others' shoes, your shoes, guests' shoes and happily mix and match.

While Sydney communicates pretty well by pointing and yelling, Alden has picked up a few words.

Eat, wow, bye, Mommy, Tyler and Sydney.

Rhyming Tylerism

Rhyming has become frequent component of Tyler's vocabulary. This evening he was given a candy cane as we ran some errands. In the restroom of the grocery store I offered,

R: "I'll hold your candy cane."
t: "Or else it might go down the drain."

All without skipping a beat.

Tyler has added some of his own photos lately - check out the growing collection here.

Icy

Went out to the car minutes ago to retrieve my backpack. The door was stuck. Frozen over. It has been a long time since I've had that experience.

Shorn

IMG_6801, originally uploaded by RMilstead.

We got haircuts today. It had been a long time.

Tree wrangler

IMG_6846, originally uploaded by RMilstead.

Is is wise to pick out a tree on a cold, dark night? We'll find out in the morning.

Tyler did point out how unique it was to choose a tree after sunset. We dropped the twins at Shamsi's while Millie went to a party. This freed Tyler and I to hit the arcade, have some Thai food and lasso the evergreen.

He was VERY involved in lashing the tree to the minivan's roof. He yelled out in a trucker voice each time he was ready to receive the rope thrown over the roof.

Tyler's economic stimulus package (AKA Santa wish-list)

In an effort to do his part for the faltering retail sector while simultaneously boosting imports Tyler has released his 2008 Christmas wish list for Santa.

Click here to view his wish-list.

I'll leave the trend analysis to you. What I will share is this: Tyler has been made aware of the fact that he won't receive everything - or most things - on this list. Santa has many children to care for and there are only so many gifts to go around.

On the subject of needy children I have asked Tyler to gather the toys that he will give away to other kids. So far, only the once coveted Thomas the Train railroad makes the list. That one I'm keeping for the babies and MY OWN grandchildren.

Feel free to ask for gift guidance or follow your own path.