All I want for Christmas...



Tiffany helped James get started on Christmas morning.



And then he found the Cracker Jack box.

And spent the rest of the morning clutching it and refusing to open any more presents.

I wonder if he'll always be this easily satisfied on Christmas morning.

Happy Holidays at Gate B17



'Twas the morning of Christmas Eve, and Santa had a layover at SEA-TAC.
Now, I wasn't supposed to be in the picture, but James was less-than-thrilled about handling Santa on his own.  Even less less-than-thrilled than he apparently is to be in the picture with me.

Note: This was a promo for a photo program that fuses the 'best' of several pics.  So we not only got a free photo with Santa, but we each got an extra left hand out of the deal, too.  Not bad.



We'd hardly made it out of B17 before again being waylaid by another North Pole native.



Then Frosty showed up with some friends.



And the race to baggage claim was on.



Candelight Christmas at "This is the Place"

The square dancing hall.

The craft room.  Rue and Max making bead ornaments.

Eye on the prize.  James contributed by knocking this entire glass of beads onto the floor.

Max signing his name on the 'Nice' list.  Note the spelling:  MXA.  Every time.  So cute.



The night ended with a train ride in the iciest, most biting Chicago-esque wind I've felt on this side of the continental divide.



What gingerbread houses are made for:

During James' nap, the niece (Anna) and nephews came over to make gingerbread houses.  James laid claim on this beauty, Rue's I believe, after the kids all left.



Unmistakably marking his territory.



Smart boy.