Living in Paradise

2014 had a lot of things going for it, one of the biggest for us

is that we paid off our house!  It may be a one-room studio but it

has the most magnificent views and its our home with the boys,

so its pretty perfect.

Going Out

It may be uncharacteristically cold outside (32 F mid-day),

but when Tanji gives you this look, its time to bundle up

and take everyone out for a walk.

Father Christmas

We picked up a Father Christmas figurine this year,

and the boys aren't sure what to make of it.

Normally any tchotchke that we get as a gift immedately heads out to Goodwill, and we don't have any countertop decorations to speak of.  But for some reason we just fell for this old Santa figurine.  Mark gave it a few repairs...

...and the boys have been circling in a menacing manner.

Uschi may be wondering why we need anything pretty

when we already have him.

Father Christmas' days may be numbered.

Still a Winner

Its the third day of Cat's Meow play, and its still a winner.

All three boys can play together for a LONG time.

Although at times, Uschi and Vladi just watch...

...while Tanji traps, bites, and kicks his prey.

Cat's Meow

The boys got some lovely gifts from Santa.

The problem is that outside of wrapping paper and empty boxes,

they tend to get tired of most toys.
  

The only toys that have lasted are Tanji's glitter balls...

...and Uschi's pom-pom toy.

T and V are messing with it, and U is glowering nearby.

So we were only slightly optimistic that a wand zipping under

a cloth would hold their attention.

Let's get this open!

Vladi is always hopeful too.

Tanji instantly takes charge of the assemblage.

I think something is supposed to go here.

As soon as the batteries are added...

Tanji gets it.  Pounce!

Vladi doesn't get it, the zippy red "mouse" is hitting him repeatedly.

T shows hows its done, and V starts to pat-pat-pat.

Uschi has been playing hard-to-get, but he can't resist all the fun.

This is awesome!

Everyone is equidistant, with just enough pouncing territory.

Tanji is the best catcher, he's found his game.

Somehow a glitter ball has shown up too, this is T-heaven.

So there was a bit of hissy-fitting when we turned it off

and put it away for another day.

Merry Christmas from T, U, and V!

Its been a very merry Christmas and the boys

have made it wonderful as always...

Uschi is still hunting for presents under the tree.

He totally scored, more on that tomorrow.

Tanji is particularly angelic nestled in his packing box.

And Vladi is a bit grumpy-tired in his gift bag.

Time for one more sing-along story and we can all get to bed.

Merry Christmas!