I'm back after a day off

Even though Eric insists on verbally assaulting me with his sarcastic comments, I will still honor him with another post. Currently I am sitting in Hollander, drinking an Americano, and eating a cheese pastry. Hollander is a quaint little cafe in Altoona, IA owned by a Dutch fella. Chuck is reading a book about people that lived to be 100 and Tori is acting like a 28 year-old business woman...drinking her Caramel Steamer and looking at magazines.

Yesterday was a good day! We had a quiet morning with a brunch Gretchen whipped up around 10:00. She made cinnamon rolls and quiche along with fresh fruit, coffee, and Orange Juice. Around noon Robbie, Emily, and Ava came over and we began opening presents. I can't believe how patient Tori and Isabelle were while waiting for the Bakers to arrive. Following gifts we had a wonderful Christmas dinner with twice-baked bake potatoes, steak, salad, and cornbread muffins. We worked that meal off playing a little Wii (well at least a small fraction of the meal). Gretchen barely took down Tori in boxing but was humbled in guitar hero when she was booed off the stage twice. The night ended with a viewing of "Dan in Real Life". Gary and Pat have never seen it and I knew it would be a hit with Stafford (my name for Gary). I am thankful for wonderful in-laws. I have in-laws that I not only can get along with but have also grown to love. I know there are many who can't say the same. They dread holidays because it means being with people they don't particularly care for. I couldn't imagine living like that.

Today is a wonderful day to simply relax. Chuck and I got up and went to a gym here in Altoona. We needed to work off many Christmas bonus calories. The rest of the day looks is looking like minor day after Christmas shopping, a possible mid-day movie, and some more Wii at night.

I hope you had a great Christmas as well.