We had some of my family over tonight for el Cumpleaño de mi Papa. There were about 12 or 13 of us here and it was a great time. I made a 7lb beef roast with all the fixins. My Granddad (notice...not my grandpa...grandpa is apparently a sissy term in my family) entered mi casa in classic Granddad style saying, "What's burning? I smell something burning! What are you burning?" To which I responded, "Not a thing...I'm sautéing some mushrooms...that's how they smell." To which he replied, "They smell burnt!" To which I retorted, "I guess you're one less person we have to share them with." To which he countered, "They look burnt too."

Not allowing old Ralph to ruin my cooking serenity I simply kept my back turned to him until I noticed he walked away. Classic move. Ryan = Win.

Here's the crotchety old boy himself...along with a lovely bride.

The birthday boy with my stride materfamilias.

Dad with Chloe (my sister who is younger than my daughter) and Calvin.

Calvin. That miracle little man-boy. His head is gigantic.

Poor little dude is like and orange on a toothpick. He's a genius though.

Here's my brother Nicholas riffling through someone's wallet. When I was his age I had two jobs and a mortgage already.

Ava had a little too much to drink. Lush.

Chloe: Perpetual thumb-sucker.

All in all it was a good night. Dad is 49...not too old yet. Well...maybe it is when your kids at home are 1, 3, and 7. Ouch.

This one is for Andrea, because Harrison is one sweet little dude.


This one is for Allison, because Ava is one strange little kook.


This one is for the people who miss Ryan and Carrie while they are in Vancouver.


This one is for Melanie, because she has one sexy man.


This one is for me, because Jonah reminds me of good times in my childhood.


This one is for freedom, because Gert escaped Germany just before the wall was built.


This one is for the world, because the world needs some Dan today.


This one is for friends, because it just wouldn't be the same without them.


This one is for Matt, because he thought this photo looked like a movie scene.


This one is for candidness, because being ourselves will always be the greatest.


This one is for whatever chewed up Saul the other day, because this dog will ride once again.


This one is for me, because it's my blog and I can have two. Me likey.

I can't go for more than 2 days without posting something...it gives me anxiety attacks.

The List:

* Party at Allison's Aunt and Uncles house.
* Work 6 hours at the Hobby Shop.
* Party at Grandma's House.
* Dinner at Uncle Dan's place.
* Brine Christmas Turkey at 6am.
* Christmas breakfast at the Winkler's.
* Cook said Christmas Turkey.
* Christmas party/dinner with Allison's family.
* Pass Out for 3 days.