We were merry
 

(^Maddy, Lauren, Sam, my sister Nancy, & brother Chris...Greg is busy keeping the fires going and I'm behind the camera )

and well fed

(traditional rice pudding + Chris's awesome bread, in addition to a chowder dinner),

 well gifted

and thankful, tender-hearted, and exhausted (not pictured).

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder