I'm days behind and I have many details to fill in for the past week, but I'll try to assemble that after the holiday weekend.

I will mention that on Thursday, I bought a digital camera that has provided plenty of fun. I used it today when I took Owen and Taylor out to the locomotive to crawl around. Although this evening the temperature outside was good for cooling the beer and wine, this afternoon the temperatures were mild, conducive to an outdoor adventure for the boys. For some reason, visiting this little landmark has become a Christmas Eve tradition for the boys and me. When Owen was two, I dragged him and Josh there (this would be before Taylor was born), listening to Christmas carols on the radio all the way. It was a way to get them out of the way so that Santa tasks could be performed without their being underfoot. On the way, I asked Owen to name his favorite carol. He replied, "I like the one about 'comfort and joy.'"

So, my merry gentlemen, I wish you comfort and joy.

In the evening, we hosted the the grandmas and Radley. Before arriving, they all shuffled down to the Methodist church to put in their annual appearance and sing their hearts out. The boys and I stayed home. David (the other brother-in-law) and his wife were visiting her folks tonight, so we were a small group. We made a terrific chicken/sausage/ham gumbo for the main course, a recipe I will definitely use again. I'll link the recipe for my own reference (it's one of Donna's, a neighbor) when I have time to write it up.

Owen rounded out the evening with a medley of Christmas tunes, all performed very competently. His progress these last few months under John-the-army-band-guy's tutelage amazes me. His encore performance of that Christmas classic, "Louie, Louie," brought laughter and tears to my eyes. Comfort and joy, Owney.

Comfort and joy, yes. But Mork's (Robin Williams) wish for "World peace, an end to hunger, and a date with Annette Funicello [or equivalent]" also resonates.