Christmas 2008

I cannot believe that Christmas was only yesterday.  For some reason, it seems like so long ago.  It’s like planning a wedding … so much work and build-up, and it’s over in the blink of an eye.

On Christmas Eve, we did our usual Italian Feast of Seven Fishes.  I don’t know if it’s because I was sick last week (and suspect that’s why), but I was really unmotivated planning this year’s menu.  So much so that I actually didn’t plan it until the night before.  I think the Christmas Flu just really zapped my energy and for a brief period, I actually considered calling the local Chinese restaurant to see if they could come up with seven different fishes for a take-out dinner (and still don’t think that’s such a bad idea to keep in mind for future years).

I stuck entirely with tried-and-trues this year…

Shrimp Cocktail
Smoked Salmon Dip
Spumo di Tonno
Scallop Casserole
Crabbies
Linguini with a Steamers and Mussels Marinara Sauce

There is a local Italian restaurant that The Husband and I went to recently.  We ordered their Steamers appetizer that came with this amazing Marinara sauce.  I was trying to duplicate it (seriously, it was lick-the-bowl good), and this was my first attempt at it, but definitely didn’t come close.  I asked about it at the restaurant, and he said that it’s a basic Marinara sauce, but thinks that the juice from the clams going into the sauce is what makes it so good.  He said all the customers rave about it, and after having it, I could totally see why.  Anyone happen to have a good recipe for something like that?

This was Madeline’s first Christmas, and it was fun to see her figure out what to make of the whole event.  Nicholas picked out an Elmo Telephone Activity Center that she loved, and his favorite gift here was this awesome globe that I got from LeapFrog (if you’re thinking about getting this for someone, keep an eye out for sales.  Now it’s nearly $80, but I paid under $50 for it on Amazon last week).  He had asked for a globe for Christmas, and when I saw this one, it was an easy decision.  You can point to two different spots on the globe and it will tell you the distance between the countries. If you point to a single country, it will tell you the currency, the language and even play some of their native music.  There are even games on it.  His favorite gift from my parents house was a giant beanbag, something he has been wanting for a good two years now.  Besides serving as just your average chair, it has also provides a soft landing as Nicholas takes repeated running flying leaps into it.

Madeline has now had what my mom calls her “defining moment” at her house … we all watched as she licked their dog’s nose in slow motion.  Seems only natural since her brother‘s “defining moment” was licking my parents’ living room walls.  Now for Sophie to pick hers…

Madeline enjoying one of her favorite toys … a gift from her brother.  I didn’t go with him on this shopping trip, but The Husband said it took him forever to decide on what to get her.  Seems it was worth every minute.

Madeline is fascinated by my parents dog, Beauregard. At home, whenever she gets anywhere near Eli, he gets up and walks away. Beau, on the other hand, doesn’t move, and lets her get close enough to actually touch him. Either he doesn’t care or doesn’t know any better. Knowing Beau and his personality, he doesn’t care and is just too lazy to move.

This picture just cracks me up because it is a perfect representation of my kids. What? You don’t see Nicholas? See that blur on the right side? That’s him darting back and forth handing out presents on Christmas morning. Little speed demon.

Hope your holidays were wonderful!

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