Madd Max Lays Out Letters For Santa

Prepped on the coffee table.

Max's.

Maddie's.

Maddie's first round, which she was told to revise, later landing at the version above.

Madd Max Have A Happy Christmas Eve

Watching The Christmas Chronicles with Taisie.

Opening one gift the night before.

Mulled wine and cheese and crackers.

Gift wrapping is exhausting.

Chinese takeout for dinner provided by Mimi and Dozee.  While typically eaten for Christmas lunch, it seemed festive to go for it Christmas Eve.

The evening wrapping up with a family favorite, Elf.

The Scrapper Does A Christmas Reading

Of Morris' Disappearing Bag (one of Jess' favorite Christmas stories) and The Grinch with Bryson and Iris.  Both sets of kids fondly remembered last year in Cleveland when they all got to play in the pool together.  This wasn't the same, but it still was pretty awesome.

Madd Max Celebrate Sam's Birthday

Morning breakfast of Eggs Benedict, followed by a day of chilling on the sofa.

Dinner of Sugarfish and Dominos with Taisie.

Followed by Page cake and present opening.  Happy 44!!

The Scrapper Has A Gingerbread House Making Party

Hosted by friend, Ava.

Most of the decorating went into his mouth, as it did on round one with this house.

Madd Max Get Into The Holiday Season

By making Great-Grandma's Christmas Cookie Wreaths.

And enjoying the beginning of the Christmas card arrivals - the Findleys won this round.

Madd Max Gets A Front Yard Makeover

How it was.

Green and palm-y.

Dec 12 - front walk plants removed.

Palm tree down.

Dec 13 - grass out.

Dec 18 - front steps demolished.

New sidewalk pavers laid.

Dec 22 - plants arrive.

As does olive tree.