Brian's birthday

Brian's mom made a feast for Brian's bday... the kids happily ate ice cream and cake. We did a lot more shooting, and Ekco took the littles on an exploration.  It's wonderful when she comes with us because she adventures in the outdoors and we don't have to worry so much about Kolton.  The only bummer is her outright refusal to shoot guns.  She and Xiana both are on a new kick of disinterest.  I hope it will pass, at least for Xiana, because sources say she has a lifetime of outings involving wide open spaces and firearms.  After we got home, Brian and I went to see the Hobbit and ate sushi.

Tradition

The day after Christmas we did what we always do... went shooting! Kolton was particularly impressed this year... and also a little scary.  He wanted to shoot every gun, called most HIS, and was fairly incorrigible.  It was followed by scooters, bikes, helicopters, great food, and Simon Says.

Christmas

As usual, everyone was spoiled to a ridiculous degree. Kolton got his helicopter, Xiana and Ekco both got their coveted tablets, and Ekco made off with enough loot to get the cosplay she wanted (but didn't end up getting... boy am I relieved we didn't get it). I got a helicopter for Brian too, but he felt to sick to fly it until the following day.  He never left the bed all of Christmas.   It was a quiet Christmas without most of the grand kids due to sickness and custody arrangements.  Again, I hope our children were able to enjoy what, for me, was one of my saddest days in this life.  I'm grateful that at least we've now made it through the first of all the major holidays without dad.  I'm grateful, too, that we had somewhere to stay with kind and generous hosts and excellent food, company, and distractions.  Here's to next year! :0