Christmas: wonderful chaos

We just got the bits of paper out of the corners and most of the stockings are empty of candy and are migrating back to the box in the hall to go in the attic. We have had a great Christmas overall so far. Not that we haven't had crying, pouting fits, temper tantrums, meltdowns and all that, they are just part of normal around here, but in general, everyone liked their presents and have enjoyed the extended family and the good food. It has only been a week since school got out and some of the kids are bored already. The level of stimulation they need to not be bored amazes me sometimes. Tomorrow, the boredom whines will be met with work detail. You can only play with new toys and games for so long.
The picture of the 5 old people and the good looking mom in the red sweater is of the five Harris kids that grew up here in the mountains oh so many years ago. I don't know when the last picture of the 5 of us together was made. Miraculously, Mark ended up his flights late in the afternoon on Christmas day and Tina went after him at the airport. I nagged everyone to get out the cameras because it was a momentous occasion having us all in the same room. Mark was on a plane again the next day so I'm glad we made the picture.