Up early for one of our favorite traditions, pretzels in the making

Who doesn’t love to smash a good egg yoke?

Sugar bae

“Hi mom!”

Des holding his prize possession in the cart seat, as you do

Pa enticing Eleanor to play her favorite game- adult hopping! Doesn’t look like great-uncle Pat is having it

Happy, mere moments before pulling on that towel in the background and nearly braining herself with the pull-down cabinet door. A few tears, but barely a mark. 1960’s safety technology at work.

Des staring down a bowl of ma’s transcendent cream of artichoke soup

Pictured: a rare glimpse of what has come to be known as the “Shriek of Justice!” (an homage to The Princess Bride): a high-pitched warning horn Ella sounds at the faint smell of unfairness. This will all get easier when she acquires language skills, right?

Desmond in his fancy argyle sweater, playing with great-grandma Jan’s toys that have stood the test of time

Cousin hugs/patience

Mom just kinda put it on her finger and walked away. It took a few minutes…

Eleanor witnessing the gift exchange shenanigans first-hand

O Tannenbaum…