Not with a bang, but with a whimper

Seems to be how we'll end this year. Despite my high hopes and excitement for the holiday season, five illnesses (including stomach viruses on Christmas day) in two weeks put quite a damper on the festivities. In addition, my great aunt, the single loveliest 93 year old woman ever, passed away a week before Christmas. So, things have not been terribly jolly in these parts.

Regardless, let's look on the bright side.

My aunt was not only a lovely senior citizen, but holy cow would you look at this toddler portrait? The cuteness. It is staggering.



The Peanut adores his "big gift" - a tool bench.



Even nights spent sick on the couch can be cozy with a terrier-shaped lap warmer and twinkling Christmas lights.



We are now almost, very nearly, better. So we can hopefully look forward to starting the new year with a bright new outlook.



Happy 2012!