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Yes, this is one of the donuts we have – a nutella-filled donut from Montclair Bread Company.

Yesterday a friend brought over some donuts, and we had two left over. This morning I discuss with Mallory what we should have for breakfast.

Me: “We have two donuts, and there’s four of us, so how many donuts does each of us get?”

Mallory, scratching her chin with index finger thoughtfully, “Let me think…”

“…”

“I know! You and Mom…” here I’m thinking she’s figured it out that we should share… “You and Mom… can have oatmeal, so Mallory and Hannah can each have a donut!”

Mal wearing momma’s shades:

Mal’s first double braid. Done by Dad, no less!

The artist…

Sisters.

Sharing.

Working out.

First s’more.

Big girl washing up.

As you might know, Mallory and Hannah’s room is on the third floor while our bedroom is on the second floor. Also Mal sleeps in a tall adult (non-toddler) bed.

This morning Hannah starting making noise. As I was walking towards the stairs to get her, I hear the door to the stair creak open. It’s Mallory, at the foot of the stairs. She says to me, “Hannah is crying, please go get her.” That’s the first time she’s gotten out of bed herself AND come down the stairs. So much for having the girls isolated upstairs (and us isolated downstairs!).

Also, a little later this morning: Hannah is in the office playing while Mal and I are in our bedroom. Mal lets a big fart rip. I say, “Mal, what do you say?” (with the correct response being, “pardon me.”). Mal says, “it was Hannah!”

Me: Mallory, what do you want for dinner?
Mallory (already sitting at table): I want tomato soup please!
Me: Ok, but it’s going to take a few minutes to warm it up.
Mallory: I want ice cream while I wait!

To do my part of sharing the Christmas joy, I thought I’d share some outtakes from the traditional family picture. We’re, uh, frugal, so we do this ourselves and thus we get a lot of outtakes. So starting today and leading up to Christmas, I’ll share some each day!

Wanted to include this in the prior post of photos, but didn’t get to it.

Pronounced with a hard “g” the way I’ve always said it and the way the inventor said it should be pronounced.*

* Edit – I meant soft “g” – see comments. I guess I shouldn’t post after 11pm.