God bless us, every one!

Christmas day - simple and sweet and full of tiny things made with love.  Like the crocheted octopus my sister made, which I promptly bobby pined to my hair like a fascinator all day.

We drove to the top of the hill just before dinner to see the lake, with the far-off mountain ranges gleaming rose in the fading light.  Christmas carols sung a cappella in my brother's new truck on the way back down the hill had a special festive madness all their own...

The greatest joy, though, is contemplating anew the endless love of Christ for us.

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.

(while opening presents - my octopus defends it's young against a fierce origami koi fish)

Then, a few days ago, Tasha came to visit and we had a long-anticipated party under the new worktable, which she helped build.  This table was designed to not only maximize efficiency in the studio, but it was also engineered with an eye for the perfect grown-up fort.  Because we do what we want and we do it right!

Jack, Tasha's new camera and an identical twin to my Nikon Algy, had a total blast.

As did we.

The adorable friend art is by Kate of FlapperDoodle and Scathingly Brilliant!

And then, Psych.  If you've seen it, you know the awesomeness that ensued.  And if you haven't - well, then.  Would you like to share a pineapple?

And with that enigmatic phrase, I leave you.

As we come to the end of Twenty Thirteen, God bless us, every one!