So I had seen quite a few of my siblings all before Christmas time, and I figured out I could see all of them this holiday season if I took a trip down to Utah to see my sister's family, bump into my brother who lives the next town over from her, and get home in time to visit with another brother who was planning to visit Grandpa and Grandma for New Years.

Of course, if I showed up to see my niece and nephew without bringing Duchess along I was going to be persona non-grata. So I packed up her things and took off for a long road trip. Duchess travels really well, and my sister was very kind in letting me move in for a week with my dog.

Christmas is a lot more fun with little kids in the house curious about Santa and how presents work. Elizabeth was convinced that if we put presents under the tree before Christmas Eve, Santa would take them away when he arrived and leave new ones. I'm still not sure she understood that isn't how it works. I thought it was a very green sort of Santa concept, though. Very recycle/reuse minded.

Duchess did a good job Christmas morning only opening presents with her name on them. Santa brought her a stuffed mouse and some yummy treats. She was thrilled. A very merry Christmas was had by all.