My first Xmas with Rousseau family was a learning experience. I learned that it takes a real long time to open presents when everyone goes one at a time. I also learned that I have a long way to go, as far as my patience and tolerance levels go. I’m still getting use to hanging out with an 8 year old every day. I often forget he’s only 8, and he’s not going to remember everything, nor will he care to worry about “my” rules when there are fun things about. I’m the same as he is in many ways, and I need to remember that. I’m sure I can be more annoying than an innocent 8 year old most of the time, and I should know better.

My poor attitude aside, it was still a fun time. I enjoyed watching the boys rip open their toys, and then show them off like everyone should be jealous. I told the boys about a month ago that the Lego factory burnt down, and all the Legos and Bionicles metled together into one huge ball of plastic. As a result, we wouldn’t be able to buy them any for Xmas. I was hoping they would believe me, and then when they opened up their gifts they would be even more surprised. It actually kind of worked. I figured Roan would believe me (he loves me, and believes most of what I say), but didn’t expect Gage to fall for it even for a second. After they opened all the Legos and Bionicles, I asked them if they believed me about the factory burning down. Roan totally did, and Gage said “I didn’t think you were serious, but then I actually started to get worried the other day.”.

Thankfully the factory didn’t burn, and we got to play with the coolest Legos I’ve ever seen. The other morning Roan asked me to put together his Scorpion Tank. I was happy to help out, and was looking forward to building something from a video game. It didn’t take long for my giant, awkward hands to get frustrated with all the piddly little bits, but after about 25 minutes we got it all together and looking perfect. Five minutes later Roan had already lost a couple pieces. Even without those it looks awesome, and is capable of taking down a Guitar Hoodie Monster in checkered pants.

This week is another week of me and the boys here all day. Hopefully with all these new video games and nerf guns (thanks everyone!) we’ll have plenty to keep us occupied. And since I’ve got a new camera (thanks mum!) I’ll hopefully capture a lot of it on film, and share it with the Cobra clan.

Here is the Xmas card some of you WOULD have got if I finished it and printed it, but I didn’t.