It all started with Portia's discovery of a pile of stuffed animals I had gathered from their rooms to donate to Goodwill this Christmas- animals they no longer (at least so I thought) covet. Funny how suddently the chickie that until this fateful discovery had gone neglected and unnoticed under the bed for three years became "my most favorite." I am so glad Portia stumbled upon this pile since I've now turned this donation project over to them; both children are now themselves selecting toys they no longer feel they need and preparing a box (named by Hugo
The Giving Bin) to donate to those less fortunate than we are. They've amassed quite an assortment which we'll deliver before Christmas. Midstream, Portia turned to me and pleaded: "But, Mama, of course don't throw ME away!" Then, stumbling across a plastic toy that propels discs when a lever is pulled, Portia excitedly shouts: "Mama, those kids really need these bullets." It's the spirit that counts.
Our gifts are abounding, even in the days before Christmas. We ourselves just received a wonderful gift of Auntie Connie's and Uncle Alex's visit - in town for four days from Singapore. At bedtime last night, after their departure, Portia looked up at me with her head resting on Iago, and asks: "Next time, Mama, can Auntie Connie and Uncle Alex stay for ten weeks?" We loved having them here.
Rewinding a couple of weeks, here's some footage from our annual trip to Pinchbeck's to find a tree. 
Girls' Night
Gratitude for his wonderful teachers
Lawn Club Hanukkah Party
Bethesda Winter Party
Will the fun ever end?
Fireside with Connie and Alex 
A Winterwonderland! 
Apres Ski with friends
Sledding...Day Three
Cookie Swap evening that left us with too much temptation
Looks like it'll be a white Christmas this year!
