I saw this cartoon by Steve Breen at the San Diego Union Tribune’s website and thought it summed up the re-defining of Christmas:

We traveled to my parents’ home in Iowa to celebrate Christmas… and we got to catch up with my sisters, too!  The weather was actually quite agreeable this year, so my dad and I headed out to take Molly on a walk to Deer Park down the street.  Unfortunately, we didn’t make it past the driveway… I was towing Molly in a little red wagon, and somehow I leaned the metal handle backwards and bopped Molly in the forehead pretty hard.  At first I didn’t think it was a big deal, then that bump started to change color and swelled up within a matter of seconds!  After a run to Hy-Vee for some infant Motrin, we decided to head out one more time, WITHOUT the wagon.  Molly and her Grandpa fed the fat goats and tested out some of the playground equipment.

 

Here are some additional pics from our trip: 

We had lots of fun opening gifts, playing games, and eating, eating, eating!  Mom made an awesome “cheeseburger soup” and I’m posting the recipe on my “Recipes” page, so check it out!  Molly learned everyone’s names, too… she could say ”Jojo” (for Amanda Jo), “Steffff” (for Stephanie), “Tay” (for Jay), and words that started with “G” for Grandma and Grandpa. 

~ Erin

Lots of quirky happenings to report on here… It’s official: Molly likes computers. Whenever Doug and I are using our computers, Molly is usually right beside us looking on. She always wants to sit in my chair when something fun is on the screen:

We had spaghetti for dinner a few days ago, and Molly really liked the noodles… she wanted to share some with Doug:

And I got into the holiday baking mood yesterday and decided to bake some gingerbread cookies. With my leftover dough scraps, I made Molly’s initials.  Or I suppose the “MC” could stand for “making cookies” or “Merry Christmas”…

 

Have a wonderful Thursday!

~ Erin