Thank you siblings for the heavy lifting to get all our furniture, a tree, a cord of wood and some booze into the house before Christmas. We’re forever grateful for your enthusiasm and stamina.

Snuck up to capture this sweet scene of Essie and Evvie decorating Cinda’s glorious tree.

Laugh all you want, people, but my child will see Santa every year I can control her. I’m not sure which picture makes me happier – the tragic horror in Ev’s eyes as she is left with the biggest downer of a Santa at the Berlin mall or Ev’s death stare when I rescued her, but STILL made her sit for a photo.

Christmas day was actually about 60 degrees, but soon after some legitimate snow fell and the tractor was released. Ev didn’t smile once, but I think she liked it.

Lyd gave us all mediation coloring books. Don’t we look calm??

Nobody loves this child.

And finally, to end the week, we threw Evelyn her first birthday party with leftover cake and fruit salad. Figured we’d set the bar low. Happy first birthday, little Evvie. Cliche #8051: I love you more than I did yesterday. It’s fun to read books with you (Goodnight Train). I’m grateful for the few hours you now give us in the evening while you sleep. You’re about to walk. You dance on command and you’re still obsessed with your baby dolls. You conflate “no” with “hot.” Keep it up, kid.