November 25, 2009

Everyone home

I’ve got a fire blazing at the hearth, a couchful of college students, and a half-dozen laptops in my living room. Boy in Black is doing some kind of internet quiz game by reading aloud the questions while everyone in the room yells out answers. Sailor Boy is stretched out in the red chair with a cat on his lap. Smart Beautiful Wonderful Daughter is reading me aloud a text message from her phone. “Blue-eyed Ultimate Player says he wants to make an apple pie. He's at the store and needs you to tell him what to buy.”

Skater Boy has come home from college with a beard. (A beard! When did he get old enough for a beard?) Film Guy is using my camera to take a picture of a cake that’s got the name of his blog on it. Quick is talking to With-a-Why about chess. First Extra is bragging that he dominated a game of Candy Land. The group of young men at the kitchen table have discovered the crayons and coloring books I keep her for the little neighbor kids. Butters is talking about making pancakes.

The day before Thanksgiving is officially the start of the holiday season, which leads to weeks of eating, talking, and hanging out by the fire. I’d like to describe exciting and exotic traditions but really, talking and eating is mostly what we do.

9 comments:

Lilian said...

I'm jealous. Our family is just half here. Less than half. But still, I'm thankful.

landismom said...

I think we might have to break out the coloring books for adults tomorrow.

Sounds like a lovely reunion--have a great holiday, jo(e)!

AF said...

So Quick and With-a-Why are collaborating on our game? OK, I can deal with that. Sounds like a great time at your place!

jo(e) said...

No, they weren't talking about your game. Are you always so suspicious? Sheesh.

Lorianne said...

Wait a second...you have an extra named Butters, like the South Park character?!? If so, I think I love you even more now.

jo(e) said...

Lorianne: Yeah, that's his nickname in real life -- but it actually has nothing to do with South Park.

Unknown said...

Now I am *really* homesick for my kids. (#1 Son is in NYC and had to work today; the other two are with their dad.)

BrightenedBoy said...

They're marvelous traditions, though. You take such joy from a full nest at a time in life when so many people are looking forward to an empty one.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Xiomara A. Maldonado said...

I enjoyed this description immensely. I particularly like "First Extra is bragging that he dominated a game of Candy Land. The group of young men at the kitchen table have discovered the crayons and coloring books I keep," which made me laugh.