This is Aaron presenting a bouquet of flowers to our sister Kori at her graduation from an EMBA program downtown. All of my siblings and various significant others (S.O.'s in Lambertese) came to celebrate this great achievement. Kori graduated first in her class and got special recognition at the ceremony. Aaron gave her this bouquet of flowers from all of us after she was recognized. Everyone was ooing and aweing, it was adorable.

Aunt Zeta and Elliot at the ceremony

Aunt Kym and Elliot

Yet another attempt to photograph the three grandkids. Aaron was willing to hold Elliot (and of course couldn't resist his usual smooch-when-in-proximity-of-Elliot's-face), which was nice, but it was still difficult to get them all happy and looking in basically the same direction

A little better...

As close as we can get

The gang, with star graduate Kori in the center

"Did you get the picture?" (I love these sort of after-shot pictures. People relax a little and resume previous activity, conversations, etc.)

Aunt Zeta (Kerrylin) holding Elliot

Uncle Ben and Elliot

Kori, Tony, and Aaron making the au gratin potatoes ("all rots" in Lambertese).

Uncle Tony and Elliot

Aaron 'helping' Krista give Ben a back massage

We had 21 people eating dinner in our little apartment on Saturday night. As you can imagine and see, it was quite chaotic. We didn't even bother with the table, and hardly had enough plates, cups, and silverware. But we made do and everyone was sweet about it.

A few people got to sit on the couch

This is the main room of our apartment after we got the beds all set up, the night we had 14 people sleeping in this little place. It was pretty exciting. There's a futon folded out, a queen size air mattress, and a single air mattress. It's hard to tell, but pretty much every inch of floor space besides a small walkway was covered in bed.

Reading "Hop on Pop." He did a few reading performances to various family members during this trip. He has a lot of the book memorized and says it all with conviction. So cute.

Since the family was all gathered together, we decided to do our traditional Christmas things considering that we won't all be together for the real Christmas. So here we are, in our Christmas Eve matching pajamas (which are superbly comfy, as you can imagine). It was quite an accomplishment to find someone who makes such awesome pajamas in both Jaron's size (who is 6' 3) and Elliot's size (who is, oh, about 2' 1).

Aunt Kokies and Elliot

Kori and Tony with Elliot

Kami was our "buddy" this year, meaning she gave to us. She made and gave us this very cool advent calendar, which is hanging on our wall as I write. Needless to say, Aaron loves the idea of opening a gift everyday.

The Wells family

Kym and Knykir gave Aaron a very cool pop-up Castle book, as you can see here. We got a book about Castles from the library a few weeks ago which included a few pages about the different tools they used to build castles. Ever since, he has been talking about castles, and especially pretending to build castles with his tools. So this book is a welcomed addition to his castle fascination.

Aaron opening his Christmas present from my parents: a set of power tools with a belt and hat. Kori gave him a tool box with some tools last summer, so this is the perfect addition. He LOVES his tools-- uses them at every possible opportunity, talks about them, and in some cases even sleeps with them.

Trying out the tools (very happily)

Aaron wouldn't let Gabe play with his tools, but Gabe had fun with the present anyway and played with the box for quite awhile.

Trying on his new belt and tools

"Snuggle Bug" (the brand of pajamas) is very fitting to this kid. What a great snuggler!

Aaron and Gabe in our double stroller, all strapped in and ready to go to the natural history museum (with matching sweaters on, made by Grandma Karen)

Aaron entertaining Gabe

Aaron checking out the giant python at the Lizards and Snakes exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History. Last time we went, this python opened his mouth for a big yawn. It was quite a show. I think Aaron was a little disappointed to not see the full view of the snake's mouth again.

Kami, Aaron, and Kourtney looking in at the lizards

T-Rex teeth!

Aaron and Grandpa LeeR watching the ocean movie in the museum

Elliot, seven weeks old

Gabe and Elliot

The three boys (Gabe, Aaron, and Elliot) in matching sweaters made by Grandma Karen

We tried to get a picture of Uncle Ben and the three boys (all of my parents' male offspring) together but, as you can see, it was harder than it seemed. Trying to get Aaron away from his tools was impossible, to start off. And poor Gabe was so under-slept he didn't know what hit him.

Ah, that's better! As demonstrated in these photos, Elliot was by far the easiest and best behaved kid. He's such a great baby.

Trying to balance a DVD on Gabe's head

Aaron, in Gabe's crib, giving silly hugs to Gabe

Cutie Elliot Bunny

A little smile caught on camera (barely)

Aunt Kym and Elliot (wearing an outfit given him by Kym and Kendra)

Aunt Kendra and Elliot

While most of the family was still here, we went to visit my brother Ben's place. His fish tanks were a big hit for the kids. Here's Baby Gabe checking out the fish.

Aaron enthusiastically trying on Aunt Kendra's hat