Xander and Clare

My crazy little family.

Helping Michael open his birthday gifts Thursday morning.

Clare and I went and ate lunch with Xander later that day.

When you're done eating, you have to raise your hand to be excused.

Goodbye hugs.

We headed to Seattle that night. The kids got to sing "Happy Birthday"
to Michael right before we left for a night on the town.
(Kate and Jessica were kind enough to watch the kids for us.)

After a very late night, we (and Jessica, Henry, Jen, and Freddie)
headed into the city for a day of holiday-themed fun.

They rode the carousel while I had an eye exam with Kate.

Clare wasn't sure at first, but she ended up liking it.

They stopped and said hello to Santa (though they didn't pose for an official photo).
Mr. Claus was able to convince Clare (with Freddie) to sit on his lap,
but Xander just said, "No, thanks!" (Which made all the elves laugh.)

Looking out at the city over lunch.

My favorite thing about this photo is the guy in the background who is smiling
at something Xander (who was sitting behind us) is saying.

We stopped at the Columbia City Bakery on the way home
for hot chocolate and cookies.

Back home, and back to all the usual craziness.

We put the tree up today.

Turning on the Christmas tree lights.

One guess as to what he's pretending to do here...