Ryan expresses all of our thoughts for this Christmas. It seemed a little simpler, somehow. I'm not sure if it's because we only put out very few decorations....no lights on the tree - just some simple ornaments and beads. I'd like to say it was a design, aesthetic, and lifestyle choice...but realistically it had to do more with time, or lack thereof, than anything else. For those who aren't aware, between December 5 and 23, we needed to be in San Francisco 14 days.....that's 14 out 18 days. Between rehearsals for chorus concerts, Ry and Si's actual concerts, and holiday activities we had planned for the family, this was what we did. It was fine because we love to be there, however, it leaves little time for much else. And I truly did want to simplify this year. My big idea was to do all the decorations in one color....we would negotiate as to the color (I was thinking white....Si was thinking red or gold.....the boys couldn't care less), but we just never got that far. Next year, perhaps. In the meantime, enjoy the Christmas photos.

We love each other......today.....right now....in this moment.....

There's nothing better than being able to paint your own umbrella

Unless it's blowing a ball up in the air

which is fun even for dad!

By the way, Ry and Si have opened several businesses for the purpose of raising dimes. Ry received a CoinStruction bridge. He needs 470 dimes to build the bridge and I believe he's up to 88 right now. Si is pitching in to help and they've opened the R&S Salon - massages are a dime per minute, however, I caught a sale the other day and got a 30-minute massage for 23 dimes. They also offer art lessons, math lessons, cooking or baking lessons, spelling lessons and anything else they can think of. Frankly, if you have any dimes, this would be the time to think up a job and have it done by two very motivated and enthusiastic children. Just give them a call. Happy holidays!