I went back and forth between a close-up of glittery ornaments and a picture that would forever remind of me Christmas 2008. You can tell which one won out. My brother Andrew arrived in town today and my parents welcomed the entire fam over for pot roast (yum). I really enjoyed the time spent with my family. As each year passes I think I enjoy their company more and more. I appreciate the time to connect with Adam and Kristin—even though we live an hour away, the distance feels greater sometimes. I love seeing my niece Madeleine in action; as always listening to her two year old vocabulary is hilarious and cute. Liv and Madeleine make quite a pair. Though they both confess great love for each other, tonight didn’t see great amount of love (or toys) shared. Enter reality, eh? The photo shows what it’s like when you wind up two girls and toss them on a large bed (sorry, Mom, I forgot the beds were antiques!), and then Uncle Andrew commences with the wrestling. We all enjoy having Andrew around… What is there to say? He’s a fun guy and livens up the whole house. My folks are really great hosts—I try to emulate them when I have people over. Their food is always delicious, their home is always clean, and I feel like I can be myself there. The grandchildren get crazy and make messes, we kids get pretty competitive when a game is at stake, but Mom and Dad seem to take it in stride.

The night together came to a close when the little girls were extra sleepy and the drives home loomed before us. Now even our own house is quiet as Liv is tucked under a multitude of covers in an attempt to stay warm as temps slide below 0. It’s Christmas time. Family is nearby. Gifts, wrapped and unwrapped, are strewn about the living room. Visions of sugar plums—or a ham, as it’s what I’m preparing for a holiday dinner—are beginning their dance.