Holidays

A look back at a few of this years holiday doings.
Both Ilana and I had Yankee Swap gift gatherings at work. Mine was especially awkward because there were only eight people (small office) with six participating in the gift swap and only five wrapped their gifts... The point of the swap being to either go with a surprise wrapped gift or take someone's gift you can see.

Ilana's swap was much better, about 50 participants at a nice restaurant with a good spread. The swapping was good fun, even though Ilana was a little put out at getting a tree ornament. It was soon swapped away though and after a swap or two more we ended up with a copy of The Lobster Coast, a book we have both been meaning to read. We also learned that the author, Colin Woodard is on the Board of Directors at Bigelow so Ilana can get it signed if she wants.

Ilana gets a new map of Maine, essential for us non GPS types, but alas it was soon taken from her.

Alden was at daycare finishing his nap for the start of the party, towards end they called us and he got to celebrate with us. He'd been to the restaurant a week earlier with Ilana and developed a crush on one of the serving staff. He kept looking for her, upstairs, downstairs, kitchen, bathroom... but it was not her shift.

We spent actual Christmas at Karen's house, exchanging gifts in the morning and then inviting a few people over for early supper.