The Christmas tree at Tina and Bill's in New York.
On Christmas Eve the kids roamed the downstairs banging on
their drums to prepare for the party.
Cassie proves unwilling to pose with her cousins
once-removed. These were the only tears of the evening!
Takumi's willing to pose but prefers to go incognito.
The kids settle into the family room for the much
anticipated opening of the stockings.
Julia is very pleased with her princess baton. (Takumi is
jealous.)
Cassie shows off her necklace with Elizabeth's help.
Takumi can't believe that there were Thomas the Tank engine
trains inside that present. He settles right down to play
and isn't interested in more presents!
Then Takumi is ready to return to the present opening, he is
thrilled to get a firetruck which Jacobus helps him
assemble.
Takumi with his mouth stuffed full of Greek goodies.
Takumi and Cassie's cousin, Princess Julia
Cassie takes one of Julia's dolls for a walk.
Jack and Takumi work on a puzzle.
Firechief Takumi takes a spin on a school bus (now called a
"beep-beep" in Takumi-speak).
The kids get some last stories out of Grandpa Bill before we
all head north.