Uncle Dan, Aime and Bumpa Christmas visit

Uncle Dan Aime and Bumpa

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I take some comfort in the fact that there is still snow outside while I am typing Christmas posts.  We are a bit behind to say the least.  We kicked off our Griswold family Christmas with a visit from Aime and Bumpa and Uncle Dan who came in from California.  We had some holiday crafts that everyone took part in including a gingerbread train and sleigh.  A MASSIVE dump of snow sent Aime and Bumpa into a quiet corner conspiring about the possibility of giving a gift early.  They revealed to us that they had been planning on giving us a snowblower.  Wow!  'Nuff said.  Dad and I went and did some shopping and came back with a champ.  I bundled up and raised my standards as to how much driveway was actually needed to get a car out.  The shovel and I had a little talk.  I assured him he would still be needed for minor sidewalk work and maybe the back deck but for all other purposes he had been replaced.  Our gift exchange was a spoilfest as always.  A biddy baby was a standout for Cassie.  A beauty parlor chair and set was a ton of fun for Maddie and her American Girl doll.  CJ's combo gift was a HUGE hit.  Uncle Dan got him a microphone and Aime and Bumpa got him an amplifier.  He proceeded to perform a great little bluesy number about crocodiles and monkeys, the highlight being an unplanned and unprovoked call and answer portion that was the cause for aching cheeks and bellies.  The kid has some serious stage presence.