I'm spending Christmas in Cleveland Heights, OH with my family. We've managed to fit 10 people and 3 dogs (and a cat in hiding) into one condominium. The meals are organized, drill like affairs, where you will put teaspoons on the table, whether they're needed or not, and you will all sit at the table for grace, although not everyone can fit at the table.

Fortunately this is the first year I haven't minded dividing the family for large meals (every meal), since the "kid table" is much less stressful, and isn't lorded over by the chef (it's possible to not have teaspoons).

A short, late-afternoon trip to the Botanical Center turned into a driving tour of Cleveland, when we arrived after they closed. The impromptu driving tour was much more enjoyable than looking at ginger bread houses you're not allowed to eat.

Places we went, and things we saw are all nice, but I'd also like to show some of the family that gives me such joy.

More of the family to come...