#9: The Annual Rave.

Every family has those stories which are told over and over, whether because they're comedic or embarrassing, or both. Like the time mom was slicing a piece of fruit in the car, opened her window to throw out the core but threw the knife instead. Or when Dad fell off the roof but says he jumped. That probably deserves its own post. I'll think about it.

Christmas 2009 = we opted to stuff each other's stockings, i.e. buy 12 of one thing, and end up with identical and heartfelt gifts. We've seen everything from keychains to underwear to socks stuffed with fruit snacks, Rogue Dead Guy Ale, and scratch tickets. But the inaugural year also turned out to be one where we received alcohol + glow sticks, so we did the only logical thing: turned out the lights and had a dance party. I can't describe what's going on in this photo except that we heard way more Katy Perry than is healthy. And it must've been where Kelsey's patented dance moves got their start.

This was E-Train's first Christmas with us, and the glow sticks were her idea. You can tell by the way she's biting her lower lip that she is totally the one who started this party.

And the bummer sitting in the corner, that would be Dad. He gets points, however, for the necklace.

There may or may not have been some running around outside in the snow barefoot and later, an attempt at the electric slide, but the highlight of the night came when Jaleesa climbed atop the couch and decided the best means of getting back down was to do a toe-touch. Except all we heard was a crash until someone turned on the lights and there was Juju, on her ass. We figure she made it as far as to jump and touch her toes, but never actually executed the last part of that move, which is to land on ones feet. (And understandably so.)

Eventually we went to bed,  and woke up to this:

It was, by far, the prettiest sight that day.