We enjoyed having Mike, Jessica, and Maia with us for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Maia is nearly two already, and I believe this was her first experience with snow of any consequence. The roller coaster is also always a big hit.
Mike and Jessica took Maia out for some sliding on a borrowed saucer sled. Maia had fun, but I understand she didn't like having snow fly up in her face.
The night they arrived, Rob, Carrie, Eleanor and Penny joined us for dinner, so we had a chance to get the cousins together.
In my opinion, Maia has the most beautiful eyes.
We enjoyed a traditional raisin coffee cake for Christmas morning breakfast.
Then Maia, along with the rest of us, tore into our stockings to see what Santa brought.
Kathie and her mother were busy scratching their lottery tickets to no avail, although there were a few small winners among the rest of us.
Uncle Travis gave Maia some terrific new clothes.
She also received a nice Hawkeye cardigan from her great-grandmother.
And a slick new raincoat and boots from her Nana (Kathie).
Two of the children played with Play-Dough.
Another tried on a spiffy hat.
Then there was more snow fun. We no longer own a sled, so I showed Maia how she could slide through the snow on a scoop shovel.
Jessica used her culinary training to carve up the turkey.
Kathie and I just tried to look festive. Of course, I had to wear one of my two Christmas neckties and my special Christmas socks. These things come out once a year.
Turkey and all the trimmings made up our dinner.
Later, Maia operated one of my electric train sets.
And there was the usual evening of games.
