Christmas Eve 2010

Christmas Eve, I started out with a morning hike.  Several weeks ago I sprained both my ankles in a graceful act of decending down some steps.  The rain finally subsided and the spring had returned to my step.  Look how far things have come at the Chalet.  I just want to slap a big red bow on that pool. 

 Sandy had a spring in her step too, and had the best time roaming the hills with me.  Everyone was in a good mood. 

Except for Rupert.  Between my sore ankles, and the constant rain I had neglected to feed him and his herd.  One rainy afternoon I watched as they approached the still empty food bowl and one of them kicked the bowl into the pool.   These deer are such divas. 

 We made sugar cookies for Santa. 

We are pretty sure that Santa is a Star Wars fan and appreciated the Yoda and Darth Vader cookies we left for him.

 Pretty soon the house began to fill up with people.  Aunts, Uncles, faux relatives... 

mini cousins...

 and even cousins in their most festive sweaters. 

Somehow the night took a terrible turn and Mr. Man ended up showing my High School Prom video and videos from my High School Mass Media Class.  With one great swoop, Mrs.Santa put Mr. Man on the naughty list.   Mrs. Santa totally has my back, she knows high school videos are horrifying.

 And after too many creme brulees and lots of laughter, everyone shrieked when they looked at the time. It was nearly 11pm by the time we got these two off to bed.

Before we could finish reciting The Night Before Christmas, Sugarplums were dancing in their heads.