The drive to Montreal:
Last year – lots of screaming, by everyone.
This year – no screaming (phew!). Ben driving, beat-boxing and jiggling his entire body to try and stay awake. Me in the back seat, hunched over to nurse Ella in her car seat until she blessedly falls asleep. She wakes up just outside Burlington (where we stopped for dinner), says, “I feel funny.” Ten minutes later, puking. Oh my.

The apartment was great, and overall we had a lovely time.We started the week with some well-rounded meals of cheese, cheese, bread, and cheese. Sausage too, and foie gras for Ben.

Mostly, we had a lot of much-needed family down time!  Ben brought his guitar along (secret – Ben is a singer-songwriter), and he and Ella got some duets in.

And knitting, glorious knitting.  Luckily, I finished my “World’s Warmest Hat” (thank you Ravelry!) before we left – and I got a lot of work done on my second wool sweater for Ella.

And so many books.  Love books.  Ella discovered a new favorite waiting in the apartment.  Garfield – en francaise, no less!  Luckily I can read/speak un petite peau, and luckily the pictures go a long way.  She insisted we read these each night before bed.

More soon!  We’re back now, full of ideas and recharged, ready for the new year!  Hurrah!