Christmas brunch

Colette and Romy (and Marguerite) have big-hearted uncles who spoil them throughout the year. Today it was a Christmastide gathering - gifts and garland and brunch à la Stephen and John. Included some closest friends and our family from Paris who always feel too far away. It ended in tears and paint on everyone, but it seems most activities with the 3 and almost 2-year old seem to get muddied by the emotional unravel (just here and now - the facts - but won't always be so, and someday they will be rational and considerate, especially after receiving gifts in bounty).

A little time-lapse ditty while putting together the Christmas tree (beware the ads - click them away, since I used John/Yoko's carol)...

Thanksgiving.

All of the Johnsons flocked to Pittsburgh (temporary polestar) for Thanksgiving - every person except Marguerite. Count them - 23. We landed and it was pure animation for 3 days. Getting this picture rendered was worthy of filming – too bad we did not do it. Colette, Romy and cousins were arm in arm the whole time. My brother Paul dressed up as Santa at some point and, with an Irish-Russian-Australian accent, handed out gifts to the terrified/enchanted/amused children. Thanksgiving meal was pretty classic and delicious – Colette had ‘studied’ about it in school and approved the fare. Lots of negotiated baby nap times and getting a big group mobilized. The impressive thing chez les Johnson is the ability to always get outside and be active. Obsessive. Love it. Since we arrived home, Colette has been fake crying at night – begging to go back to Grandpa and Grandma’s house.