Nicolai’s big present was a Shiatsu back massaging bed pillow complete with built in reading lamp, arm rests, and cup holder. Naturally, all members of the family had to test the therapeutic effectiveness of the massage and I think it is safe to say that Nicolai received the most relaxing gift of the season.

Jeanine could not have picked a more perfect present for Maya this year. It was hard to tell who was more excited with the American Girl doll horse.

Nicolai flashes Kyle a look of approval for the soccer jersey he has just received. It is rare for me to get a photo of these guys together when one does not have the other in a headlock.

Jeanine received a home made wooden bird shelter and bird feeder from Maya who looks on wearing her new pajamas (please notice the matching set for Elizabeth, her doll).

Maya made me a wonderfully illustrated Christmas card which we read together.

Tomorrow we leave for Indianapolis to visit with family and friends. This evening, we got a headstart on present opening after attending church and dining out at our favorite Chinese restaurant (another Christmas tradition).

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, the kids were cooking Zeppole Balls supervised by my spouse. These fried dough balls covered in honey and sprinkles are a Christmas tradition with the Calabrias. Maya was in charge of rolling and cutting the dough. Nicolai and Kyle took turns frying them and Jeanine is shown here, drizzling them with honey.

Kyle drives to the hoop in a match against Sudbury. The team won by a nice margin and Kyle finished with 6 points.

I have been so busy with work (and photography) since we moved to Massachusetts that I have had little time to work in my shop. Today, I was able to find a couple of hours to organize some of my tools. Once I get everything the way I like it, I find the shop much more inviting and am more inclined to jump into new projects.

Jeanine and I joined Maya, her classmates, and their parents at school this morning to hear the stories they have written this year. Maya captivated us with When the Water Splashes, the story of how she learned to dive. Her writing style is creative, humorous, and in a certain way sophisticated. I am going to credit her mother and grandfather for these particular gifts.

Walls for the new shed were poured today. We plan to store the tractor, snow blower and collection of bikes here during the seasons they are not in use. This will free up enough space in the third bay of the garage to add other junk that will make it impossible to walk through.

Work has begun on an addition to our house. We are adding an elevated three-season sun porch to the back of the house, replacing the old deck with a new one, and adding a storage shed underneath the deck. Demolition and excavation has been completed and concrete footings will be poured today.

Spotted this raptor on the way into work this morning. I will have to check with our resident naturalist for an identification. Head to tail I estimate to be 20-22 inches.  Jeanine has weighed in and the answer is a red-tailed hawk.

This ball, suspended in a powerful stream of air, never fails to engage the kids. Anyone care to guess how long Nicolai waited before deciding that the real purpose of this exhibit was to help children practice their soccer heading technique? Answer: Less than 10 seconds.