Feeling Festive

DaddyP is doing Round #2 of pet Christmas pics at Doggie Daycare this afternoon, so we're doing our typical Sunday usuals. Round #1 met with such success that the DD owners booked another session with more people than his previous doggie shoot, which was very successful. Who knew there was such a market for doggie portraits?
Speaking of pet portraits, I have no idea who took this picture of Thomas. I'm guessing Sophy, since this is the Santa hat that she has worn to school every day for the past week. I'm amazed that I didn't receive a note asking us to kindly refrain from wearing it, but apparently her teacher is very long suffering. Judging by this photo, Sophy's teacher isn't the only one with an abundance of patience. Poor Thomas. She's a good girl.
Soph and I usually bake on Sundays. Our most common baking exercises are muffins for the upcoming week. Occassionally, when we're feeling spunky, we'll crank out a batch of chocolate cupcakes for after school snacks for the week. This Sunday afternoon caught us making White Trash ( I know, I know. White Trash is born, not made...) We added almond slivers and craisins to our batch. Craisins are not only festive, but are, quite possibly, the only fruit that has entered my body for the last 29 (+whose counting) years. AND not only is it covered in melted white almond barkie goodness, but I apparently can't stop eating it.

Once Sam realized that our efforts involved chocolate, he was a very willing participant. The thing about Sam that you have to realize is that he doesn't merely participate, he takes over. I guess that makes him a willing dictator? He's cut from the cloth...

Which is generally okay with Soph, as she is nobody's fool. Why not let someone else do the work while you watch? She is also cut from the cloth.....

In other unrelated holiday news, here is a shot of my Santa Head cupboard. I've accumulated some giant Santa heads over the years. Don't be alarmed. I harbor no ill will towards the Big Guy. But if you'll notice in the photo, I do have his head on a platter! (PAH!)

I'm a bird nut, it's no secret. I have birds all over my house. This little guy just swooped in for the holidays along with brother red bird hanging nearby (not pictured...in case you were searching.)

Birds aren't the only guys hiding out in our kitchen/dining area. Fred returned the day after Thanksgiving, and after a 2 day stint in Sam's room brought on by a rash of hijinks and mishaps attributed to the aforementioned red head, he made his way to this location this morning. I think this is a good place for Fred, since the area where we gather to share our meals is a frequent Zone of Misconduct. I do not find it coincidental that he's in this spot.

He's a sneaky little guy, our Fred. And yes, he's looking at the camera....which means...maybe he's.....watching....me???? Gulp.