Well, it’s a done deal. We’ve joined the ranks of homeowners. We had, I think, the most productive day we’ve ever had. We bought a house, signed Sammy up for Kindergarten, and set up our cable/internet/phone service. Of all the day’s activities, it was the last one that took the longest and was the most confusing.

In all seriousness, this whole house thing was remarkable. We ended up buying the first house that we were really smitten with (even though we dated some others before we proposed), and the whole process was smoother than we could have imagined. We took it as a good omen that today was such a beautiful day — sunny and close to 70 degrees! The only thing that marred the closing was getting a parking ticket in Brookline, which only reaffirms our decision to buy in Boston.

Now the hard work really begins.

We’re back from sunny CA, a little tired, and a little sad that it’s so cold here. Fun trip, with lots of family, friends, and adventures. We flew out on Christmas morning, got there in time for lunch and presents with the grandparents, then dinner in Saugus (not that Saugus, the other one). Turkey AND lasagna. Out of six nights in LA, Sammy fell asleep somewhere other than his bed on four of them. The highlight was a trip to Disneyland, for which we kidnapped our godson. Kit was a joy, and he and Sammy made quite a pair.

We flew back on New Year’s Eve, missing the turn of the new year somewhere over the western states. Got home in time to take a nap and then watch the Rose Parade. Now it’s back to work, and it’s supposed to be a high of 16 degrees tomorrow. Lovely.