Reinhardt Early Christmas Dec. 23rd - The Reinhardt family, Stephanie, Tristan, Vincent and Jude

It was December 23rd and the Reinhardt home was having their early Christmas. At noon on December 24th they would pack up for their second celebration at Colleen's parent's farm in the Okanagon that would last until they left there around noon on December 26th. This year's early Christmas included Uncle Jude Murphy, Vincent DiAntoni and Stephanie and Tristan Yamada. the family was growing in wonderful ways.

Stephanie puts her last bag of gifts by the door and calls Tristan from his room "Time to get ready Tris. Mike will be here any minute."

Tristan trudges out into the hall looking apprehensive "How many kids do they have? Are they ALL way older than me? Can I bring my DS?"

Steph sighs at her son "13, 14 and 15, though Mike says Seamus is a young 13. I'm sure you guys will get along. Come on kiddo....just try...for me?"

Tristan nods, putting his DS into his jacket pocket.

Michael has hidden the books that he bought as presents, because April has proven herself the perfect in curious cats. And has a taste for paper. But he gives her plenty of love and a special treat, since they will be staying the night and then gives her a little present, which she loves immediately. As she plays with the bauble, he takes his things and leaves, putting them in the trunk and driving to Stephanie's. He parks and walks up, ringing the bell.

Stephanie gives Tristan a little half hug and then opens the door "We're ready!" She greets Michael with a kiss and then leans into his ear as Tristan passes them and whispers "Tristan's feeling a little shy about meeting the kids."

Tristan stands awkwardly by the car and pulls out his DS, scrolling through for a game.

Michael nods as he packs the trunk. He opens the door for Steph and then the back door for Tristan. "Now .... before we go ...." he grins. "Any questions? My family is a little goofy .. especially this time of the year." he isn't sure how to make Tristan more confident, except maybe play up the fun.

Tristan shrinks into his seat a bit but peaks up "What kind of goofy?"

Stephanie turns around to look at her son encouragingly and then watches Michael trying to make him more at ease with absolute adoration in her eyes.

Michael starts the engine. "Well, see." he explains. "My brother is like me. No fun. Not even a little bit." he confesses, then considers. "Actually ... John is even worse. If it was just him, you'd be asleep before you got your shoes off, he's so boring." he pulls away from the building. "And Logan ... he's the oldest of the kids." he looks around the car, as if they might be overheard. "He's an adult now ... and you know what THAT means..." he plays as if hes fallen asleep behind the wheel for half a second, then returns to himself. "Now Fiona .... she was the love of my life ... before your Mom here ..." he winks at Stephanie. "It's the BOYS you're gonna be interested in." he nods, slowly, as if this is better than meeting the most exciting person he can think of.

Tristan is still looking a little resistant "How are they interesting? do they like Minecraft?"

Stephanie chuckles "Always the deal breaker that one."

Michael snorts. "Owen needs an intervention .... but ... a playmate might also help. Seamus is more into Legos, but he can build some incredible things." he pauses and considers. "Owen is also into cooking. That USED to be a little dangerous ... he likes to experiment ... but I heard he took a class .... that may have helped."

Tristan perks up a bit "I LOVE Lego. OK." He says the OK as if he's ready now and then gives Michael a little smile.

Stephanie reaches over and squeezes Michael's hand tightly.

Michael squeezes Steph's hand back. "Glad to know it." he replies. "Now you don't have to worry about giving everyone attention ... but Fiona ... I dunno ... she's in this morbid phase, but she'll be nice to you. Me? maybe not so much, but you're cuter than me ... and not related to her."

Stephanie looks out the window as the car rolls off the ferry and then peeks back at Tristan who's bent down playing his DS "Dude you want to check out the graphics out here too."

Tristan's game beeps and blips "Just a minute Mom...I just gotta get this guy....ah man!!!" A little descant signals an in game death and Tristan sighs and clicks the big button. Then he looks up and sees the lights and decor of Alexandra for the first time in his life "Whoah look at this place!"

Michael laughs as he drives into Alexandra. "It's something else isn't it?" he heads down Water to 2nd and turns. "They really love winter here."

Tristan leans as cranes to look all around "This place is bigger than home isn't it?"

Stephanie nods "A little bit I think. No Japanese food though, despite the size." She says grinning "We've got the monopoly. It is pretty though."

Michael chuckles. "Area wise, I think it is." he agrees. "But just as nice. He turns one corner and then another. "Second house.... there...." he pulls a u-turn and parks right in front of the house. "They moved, so this is a new place for me, too, Tristan."

Tristan's eyes are wide still "It's bigger than Grandma and Grandpa's house!" He pockets his DS and gets out, just looking at it.

Stephanie steps out too "Nice house. I love the porch." She heads right for the trunk to fetch some of the things they'll need to carry in.

Michael also heads for the trunk, as there a couple of bags. he unlocks it and opens it, leaning inside.

Seamus has been looking out of the window. "They're here!" he calls and bolts out of the door, no shoes, no coat, no nothing. "You must be Tristan." he looks the younger boy up and down, eager for anyone that is not a 'true' Reinhardt.

Colleen hears Seamus and starts to say "Sea ...." but the boy is gone. She walks to the door, which her youngest has left WIDE open and waves. "Michael!! Hello!!"

Tristan smiles at the boy "Yep. Seamus or Owen?" He asks curiously, his stance a little shy.

Stephanie pops her head up from the trunk to see Colleen too and says "Hello Merry Christmas!."

Fiona is in her room wrapping presents on her bed and hears Seamus, her mother and then the slamming of the car doors and trunk. She slides the unwrapped items back into a plastic bag and shoves it under her bed and then comes down the stairs to stand at the door by her mother "Hi Uncle Mikey! Hi Stephanie! And hello Tristan right?"

Owen had gone out with the cash his parents gave him to do some last minute shopping for the little presents he'll give his family. He was an eclectic shopper and presents often came from the grocery store, the gas station and the pharmacy. With his backpack on his back he skateboarded up to the house on the sidewalk, stopping short by Tristan and Seamus and stomping on the back to as he caught the board in his hand. With a grin he said a casual "Hi."

Michael grabs more than his chair of bags, and heads towards the door, knowing enough not to interfere in a child meeting ritual. He moves forward to the porch and leans in to kiss both Colleen and Fiona on their cheeks. "Christmas is a humbug." he growls. "Where's that idiot brother of mine?" and he walks in to slip off his shoes, scanning the new digs. "Nice."

Seamus beams. "I'm Seamus." he sees Owen coming. "And that's Owen." he looks suspiciously at the backpack, bu doesn't say anything. "Wanna play? The inlet is frozen over!"

Tristan looks apprehensively between the first brother and the second "On the ice? Is it totally frozen? We NEVER get ice...." He looks both terrified and curious.

Stephanie passes Tristan and scoops his backpack off his back with her own load to the house "Go have fun sweet pea." She walks to Colleen "It is frozen solid if they go out there right? Hello again Fiona."

Owen nods "Oh yeah. We've been playing hockey on it even. Do you skate? We probably have some that would fit you in the house...."

Fiona watches the boys and goes all Jane Goodall about it "Observe the primates in their natural habitat. They're examining each other now from afar but soon they begin grooming each other for nits and lice...." She laughs at her own joke and then calls out "If you guys set up a game I'm in!"

Colleen chuckles. "Oh yes, we wouldn't let the kids out there if it wasn't frozen." she tells Stephanie. "And your brother is at WORK." she sighs softly. "He swears he'll be back as soon as possible."

Michael chuckles. "It's been frozen for a couple weeks now, easy." he assures both Tristan and Stephanie. He bites the corner of his mouth, as if he too wants to play.

Seamus beams. "Sure! And if you don't have skates, you can slide on your shoes. Man Owen ... when was the last time we did THAT?" he bounces on the balls of his feet. "Do you play hockey? If not we can just play ice tag."

Logan comes around front he back of the house. "Ice tag? Count Me in!" he demands, lifting an arm at the younger kids and coming up to the door and through it. He's in his socks. "Uncle Mikey! How you doin?" he hugs his uncle and turns to Stephanie. "Logan Reinhardt." he introduces himself. "Or Reinhardt number 23836." he teases the size of his family.

Stephanie giggles at Logan after looking relieved "Do they number you all at birth with darts? Or is there a branding process? I've been thinking of just putting a sub-dermal chip in Tris with a little buzzer....brutal...bit efficient ya know..." She jokes to Colleen and Michael.

Tristan starts to run off towards the frozen inlet and hears his mother yell "Ski pants mitts and a hat!" And then groans to the Reinhardt kids "I'll be right there.....ice tag sounds cool." He takes his big backpack back from his mother and pulls out his winter stuff.

Fiona hears the words ice tag and just start suiting up at the door. Nothing can bring out the kid in a teenager like snow and ice. She smiles at Tristan as he pulls on his ski pants "Better to have some padding in case we wipe out." She yanks on her boots, winds a scarf around her neck and pulls on a toque "Come on let's go!"

Owen smirks at Seamus "Too long. Ice tag it is. Let me put my board in the house." The sidewalks were dry but it was still cold enough for people to have been looking at Owen like he's nuts for skateboarding in this weather. He just dressed for it and kept on with it, except for his feet. He refused boots entirely and wore his sneakers through any weather.

Colleen smirks. "They have tattoos in ALMOST discrete places." she jokes. "If I had more than these four tho ... yea .. microchipping would have been an option." she watches the kids go out. "And that leaves us grown ups." she looks at Michael. "Will you be playing the role of child, or adult today?" she teases.

Michael was still looking out the door when Colleen spoke and has the good grace to blush. "I'm a gwwow up." he says in a baby voice. "At least until John gets back from work." he snorts. "I've spent my whole LIFE waiting on him to get off work to play with me."

Seamus has come in the front door to put on his boots. That done, he grabs his coat, hat and scarf and makes for the back door, trying to put on all three at the same time. He drops them all at the back door and puts on his coat and heads out tot he back porch for the rest, including the gloves in this coat pocket.

Logan laughs, but stays and considers a few minutes. He kneels beside Tristan who, to a Yamada is kinda small. "Need any help, big guy?" he offers. He figures Fiona will keep him from being run down by his rambunctious brothers.

Tristan puffs up as she stands and looks at Logan "I'm ten. I can handle it." He grins and runs out after the other kids only to have his feet go right out from under him when he hits the ice and go sailing 6 feet on his butt.

Fiona carefully ice runs and skid stops at Tristan, reaching down a hand "You ok there?"

Tristan sits up and shakes his head around with a little "Bllllluhhuhuh..." and then beams "THAT was AWESOME!"

Owen watches Tristan and Fiona as he packs a wicked snowball and laughs. Then he winds up and pelts it towards Seamus "Think fast sucka!"

Stephanie kicks off her own shoes as she shoves Michael a little "Big brat. Go play if you want." She teases and encourages. Smiling at Colleen she asks "Where can we plunk our stuff?"

Colleen does one better and hits Michael in his muscular arm. "I'll cover for you. John won't get mad. He may even join you, considering how neither of you managed to age past 12." she looks at Stephanie. "But if you'd like to stay, I suppose we girls will just have to talk about menstrual cycles, bra design and cramping."

Micheal nods slowly. "While I am SURE that would be a fascinating conversation for me to listen to .... I'll just wait for John on the ice. Just tell him I'm not having fun without him." he smiles sheepishy and heads for the back door.

Seamus gets hit with the snowball as he watches Tristan slip, fall and slide. "COOL!" and he heads off at a run, diving onto the ice as if he is sliding into a base in baseball. "Come on, Owen .. this ROCKS!"

Logan is right on his uncles heels. "We should be mature about this, right, Uncle Mikey?" he asks, deadpan before both uncle and nephew run out onto the ice and take Tristan's lead.

Colleen can hear the laughing and screaming as she turns to Stephanie. "I figured you and Michael could have our bed and we'd sleep down here, so this way." she leads the way upstairs. "It is SO nice to be able to meet you. Sara never seemed right for Michael. I didn't understand it at the time, but I do now." she sighs as she goes into her bedroom. "It explains ... oh a MILLION things about both Michael AND John."

Stephanie yells after Michael in a taunt "Oh the estrogen is filling the house!!!! Hold onto your dick and run Mike!" She giggles and turns to Colleen, after hearing Logan "Sorry, I forgot there was still one of yours in range. He's the 18 year old though right? That's very generous of you about the room. This house is great by the way." She smiles about Sara "You know I've never met Sara. I'm trying not to feel self conscious about the fact that she's a model. I know how Mike feels about me, and I know their deal was a cover. It's very nice to meet you too. Thanks for hosting us. My parents still host ours on Christmas Day but we should have time to acknowledge Mike's birthday earlier in the day too."

Colleen watches the back of her sons neck turn red as his hair as he exits with Michael. She pats the bed and sits. "I love this house. And my new job and .. yea .. being back with John." she looks at Stephanie. "Well ... Sara was a model, but she never wore his heart like a mink like you're doing." she offers. "Oh yes. Please do. Even before we were doing the 23rd AND the 24th because we were separated ... Christmas was the 24th." she laughs softly. "Logan got into an argument with one of his earliest teachers when she tried to tell him Christmas was the 25th. He told her that was his uncles birthday and OBVIOUSLY someone had made a typo somewhere." she chuckles.

Stephanie smiles warmly at Colleen, liking her already. "I'm glad it's working better for you and John. I'm sure your kids are happier too." She sits next to her now.

Colleen nods. "They are, I think." she remembers. "Fiona cried ..." she sighs softly, but then smiles. "But John promised me he'd deal with his Daddy issues and he's actually DOING it." she looks proud.

Stephanie sighs "I've never met their parents. Mike's a little...closed...on the topic but he did let it slip once....or hint at his father being abusive. What are they like....the parents I mean? Hopefully their mother is at least decent..."

Colleen darkens a little bit. "Heinrich ... their father ... well, there was some abuse. Not sexual." she quickly assures. "But Heinrich is just ... toxic. Racist, bigoted, homophobic. He allowed his wife to work once the boys were out of the house. But ... John doesn't let the kids around him very much and Michael ... he won't talk about him at all if he can avoid it." she sighs. "Mikey wasn't even ten years old when John told him that if he wanted their Dad to stop hitting him, he had to man up and fight back." she sighs. "And when he did, his father stopped attacking him. But in hindsight, his fathers homophobia could NOT have been easy for Mike to live with." she sighs and smiles. "But Kaitlin ... their mother ... sweetest, most darling woman in the world. She loves her sons, but ... I think she was a little disappointed that Mike wasn't a girl. He came late and a complete surprise. But she got over it, I think. Taught him to cook a few things and they get along well. Of course ... Michael doesn't go to see her ... ever. Not if Heinrich is around."

Stephanie sighs "Oh that's so sad. My parents are a little odd, but loving people. I'm glad Mike and Jon still turned into decent guys but that shit just doesn't go away does it?" It's a rhetorical question of course.

Colleen sighs. "Don't let them fool you." she half warns. "They ARE decent guys. MORE than decent. But John is really just now learning to deal with things. Especially his temper." she holds up her hand. "He isn't abusive, but when he gets angry he ... shuts down. Like someone didn't pay the bill. He shut me out so many times over the years ... eventually ... I left. We were literally at the lawyers to sign the divorce papers when he agreed to therapy. I guess his love for me overrode his hatred of his father."

Stephanie exhales "Shit. Well I'm glad he came around. You know Mike and I haven't had a fight yet so I have no idea how that goes with him. I have a rather awful temper myself though so I'd hate to trigger anything for him.

Meanwhile on the ice, in a full on game of tag, Tristan is it. He's been it for way too long and is starting to look a little frustrated with it. He's not a fast slider yet like the others since they never have ice in Cedar Point.

Fiona sees the look on Tristan's face as Owen whips by him a third time and doesn't get tagged. Fiona makes a face at her brother. He could be such a competitive ass sometimes. I mean this kid was like, what, nine? She slides towards Tristan like she's going to by pass him and tease him and then fakes a stumble to slow herself down. Tristan tags her and then of course can't slide away fast enough so Fiona Pratt falls and sits on the ice laughing "I'll get you next time my pretty!" She calls at Tristan in her best wicked witch voice and then stalls a bit, giving him time to get away.

Owen skid stops and then makes to slide off but Fiona lunges and tags him and then grabs him by the collar and whispers "Don't tag Tristan back OK? He's little and new to ice. Get Uncle Mikey. I'll even help you." She offers with a grin.

Owen beams as he likes this idea. They both turn and look at their uncle and then start sliding towards him, flanking him from two sides.

John Reinhardht goes to unlock the front door and finds it already unlocked. He steps in and calls out "Hello?" and leans his head into the living room with a frown. He peers back the other way into the kitchen and shrugs. Then he leans down and unties his work boots and walks in sock feet with his lunch box to the kitchen to clear it out. He drops a banana peel into the compost pail and then squeezes dish soap into a small thermos that had carried soup earlier. He lets that soak and sets the box beside the sink and takes a glass from the cupboard and fills it with water. He walks to the back door drinking it and looks out over the inlet seeing some familiar forms out there including his brother being slowly surrounded by his children. John grins as he drinks and mutters "Get him kids."

Colleen grins. "Michael doesn't fight anymore, as far as I know He's got a hell of a grip on that temper of his. I think its why he works out the way he does. But if he's anything like John .... he'll open his mouth like he's going to yell and then shut it .... and if you push THEN he'll yell ... and he'll have all kinds of hateful things. we didnt throw much, but John dodges well." she sighs deeply and hears John coming in. Holding up the 'wait a second' finger she inhales deeply and the bellows, as only a wife and mother can. "Go and play with the other children, John. That's an order!"

Logan grins when Fiona pratt falls. She would be the first to think of it. He sees she and Owen head for Michael and waves to get Seamus's and Tristan's attention. "Let's go!" he battle cries.

Seamus moves around the group, being one of the better skaters, and closes the circle. "You're surrounded!" he laughs as he yells at his uncle.

Michael sees the problem, but isn't going to give up without a fight. Then he feels Seamus hit him in the gut, and he knows that once Fiona and Owen get him on the sides, whoever is behind him will get him. He'll be buried by his relatives. "OOOFFFFF!"

John takes on more sip of his water and hears Colleen's order. He laughs and sets the water down shouting up "Yes dear!" He steps back into his boots and coat and makes his way down to the inlet. He can see part of one of his brother's legs and a hand sticking out from under a pile of kids.

Stephanie giggled "I love those two words. All men should memorize them."

Tristan takes great delight in Michael's willingness to play. He already liked him but seeing him being a big kid is cementing it. He jumped on the pile of Reinhardt kids as they took Uncle Mikey down.

Fiona had taken an arm to hold onto her Uncle for Owen while he flew at him and slung himself across his midsection. Owen of course let out a battle cry befit of a Tolkien orc.

Colleen giggles. "I agree. And it's dangerous out there. And QUIET in here." she inhales as if its a fine smell. "Enjoy it ... you don't hear that sound around here much." she rolls her eyes. "So our family hasn't scared you off yet, despite John siccing Michael on Fiona's date. But ... does Tristan like him? A guy like Michael can be intimidating, even when he isnt trying."

Logan dog piles, but is the first to stand and survey the damage. "I think we got him, guys." he looks over his shoulder and sees his father coming. He smirks and motions with his arm. "Oh one more Reinhardt to add to the pile!"

Seamus follows the gaze as best he can, but cat see his father. "Dad? Come on, Dad!"

Michael is warm under a see of family and actually almost comfortable. He heard that his brother has arrived. "Save me, John!" he cries. "You can have my broccoli!" he knows it won't help. John may well dog pile on him too.

John snorts "Broccoli? Screw you Mikey! Tickle his pits kids.....that's the spot. I won't pile on all that. We'd break the ice." He jokes. He does however discreetly scoop up a handful of snow and lean down over his brother and face wash him with it. It's a jolt of cold and wet.

Stephanie nods "Tristan likes him. I haven't had any boyfriends since he's been born so it's new for him. I've had failed dates he never met. And he didn't know his father at all....so I think this is good for him, maybe for them both.I don't think he was scared of him. I mean my brother's a cop too, Mike's partner actually, and a much smaller guy, but Tristan's been in the station lots back home."

Fiona sees the face wash and eases out of the dog pile. They'd tortured enough. She does stand back and laugh at the scene though and then grabs a mitt full of snow and goes after her Dad, defending her uncle now. John gets it full in the face and slides after Fi as she takes a running start and slides in the other direction.

Owen takes his father's suggestion and does tickle his Uncle's armpits. It's likely futile through winter clothes but it will at least be kind of annoying.

Tristan gets bumped off the pile when Owen moves and sits on his butt just watching and laughing.

Colleen smiles. "You know, it might be good for Mikey to have a kid around more often." she thinks about it. And my brother lectured me when I left John with the boys, because I couldn't make my sons men." she rolled her eyes. "Sexist, but he had a point. But Fiona is a Daddy's girl ... and has her uncle wrapped around her little finger. I got my boys. But ... we're all back together now."

Logan smirks and pants, watching. "A proper welcome, Uncle Mikey." he laughs.

Seamus also pulls back, watching and laughing, his face read with humor and cold.

Michael opens his mouth to tell John off when he gets the snow in the face. Then he sees Fiona come to his defense. "Avenge me!!!" he calls after her and then realizes that Owen is trying to tickle him. He snorts and turns, pinning Owen like an armed suspect. "You trying to TICKLE me, boy?" he growls, playfully. "I will rip your nose off and give it to Shay for a hockey puck!" he rips off Owen's hat and begins to beat him with it.

John catches Fiona up with Fiona as she pelts him with more snow. He dives for a near by snowbank and makes a few messy snowballs to toss back. She giggles and dodges two and then gets the last one smack in the side of her head and half in her ear. She shudders at the snow crystals melting and sliding under her scarf "Cold!!!"

John laughs "Uh huh.....now you know. Help an old man up?" He holds up a hand from his squatting in the snow bank.

"I am so not falling for that.....you're gonna throw me in..." She slides off and laughs.

John curses "Damn...overused that one." He gets up and slides over to Michael and the others. He suspects Fi has gone to make a thousand snowballs somewhere in the trees.

Owen pretends his uncle is practically murdering him "Ah.....not the face.....you're killing me!" He over-dramatizes.

Stephanie nods at Colleen "They do need both genders in their upbringing, well I guess I should say all genders now. My brothers have been amazing with Tristan though so I'm not worried. Is your brother a good uncle?"

Colleen agrees and thinks about her brother. "Jude ... is younger than me by a bit." she begins, a bit slowly. "He graduated with our police chief. Then he joined the military. Intelligence." she sighs a bit. "I don't know what happened. But he came back ... scarred and ... a hermit. He lives here ... most of the time. He came back a little bit ago, but hasn't dropped by. But he will." she grins. "He's a good uncle. Just a bit ... unconventional." she chuckles. "Between John, Michael and Jude ... Fiona is probably the safest woman in Canada."

Logan shakes his head while watching Owen, then stands and brushes himself off. "I'm going to drink all the hot chocolate now!" he announces, loudly. "See you all later!" and he heads back into the house, realizing he just volunteered himself to make it, but he can. They are bound to have a gallon of milk ... probably more.

Seamus snorts, watching Owen. He looks over the ice and just ... rests. Ice is the best thing in the world.

Michael snorts and stands, hooking Owen under one arm and hefting. "God boy, what you been eating?" he demands to know before he unceremoniously drops him back on the ice. He looks at John as he approaches. "Tristan. Meet my big brother, John." he brushes some snow off of him. "John ... this is Tristan."

Stephanie grins "Her fellow seems pretty nice too. I don't think she needs protecting form that guy...just a gut feeling. I felt sorry for him that her cop uncle came to check on their first date." She laughs and then says seriously "Scarred....well I hope he's OK in the long run."

Fiona is at her fire pit she's been working on, digging a metal half drum in so it's ready for new years. It's mild enough out to shift some snow and earth but not so mild the inlet will melt. She sees Logan walk by and calls out "Hey! Are you going to be around for New Years? This will be ready....I'm inviting some friends over. Yours can join too."

Tristan looks up at John. He's a big as Michael but older and with a mustache. He shyly smiles and waves from his spot on the ice near Seamus.

"Hey Tristan. Welcome to the madness." He says with a warm smile. "If you guys want hot chocolate, we should probably watch Logan to make sure he doesn't actually drink it all."

Owen wails on his uncles side but not hard enough to be dropped immediately "Oh ya know...paper weights, encyclopedias, bowling balls...." As he does get dropped he yells out "Strike!" in reference to the bowling balls.

Colleen smiles sweetly. "He's in there. I see it now and again. And he'll make Christmas." she assures her.

Logan detours to Fiona. "Yea ...." he lowers his voice just a smidge. "Kurt is flying in on the 29th. I'm going to pick him up at the airport. We're gonna ... catch up." he clears his throat. "But we'll be here for the new year. Does Vincent barbecue?" he looks into the pit. "New Years Clam Bake ......"

Seamus listens to Owen, adding. "Mini cakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies and next to no exercise." he teases. He blinks. "You guys wait here. I'll go check on Logan." which means he wants some too. A lot of it.

Michael chuckles. "And by hot chocolate ... they MEAN hot chocolate. A GALLON of hot chocolate ... at least." he looks at his brother. "Christmas means a lot in this family." he knows he has to play Christmas up for Tristan ... or feels he does. But Christmas has always been important ... and usually meant his birthday was completely overlooked ... until John changed the date of it when he had Logan and the others.

Fiona wiggles her eyebrows at Logan "Catch up eh? I won't knock on your door until New Years Eve then. I suspect my beloved minstrel can cook anything anywhere but I will ask him." She shimmies the drum a bit and then kicks at it "That should meet the fire safety requirement."

Owen protests "Dude I skateboard almost every day. I work it all off."

Tristan grins at Michael "Let's go get some then."

John nods "We have it early because we like it so much... that and Mikey gets to be the Antichrist on the other day."

Logan blushes a little. "Shut up. I won't BE home that weekend ..... just ... shut up, Fiona!" and he heads into the house.

Seamus laughs. "Right. You WISH!" he teases and throws a mock punch at his brother.

Michael looks down at Tristan. "Let's go!" he agrees and scoffs. "Damn right I do! Not a bit of good in me. Ask ..." he hesitates half a second. "Anybody."

In the house, Logan's gotten a large pot put and is already warming, as predicted, a gallon of milk with which to make hot chocolate.

Fiona giggles and follows him in but not close enough to keep taunting. She gets her stuff off and runs upstairs to check something with her gift wrapping before going into the kitchen.

Owen mock blocks and then mock punches back before running towards the house.

Tristan runs after the two brothers.

John walks with Michael "Cool kid. He seems to like you too. You might wanna get that part tested..." He teases.

Stephanie listens for a minute and looks at Colleen with a smile. The voices are getting louder outside, louder and closer.

Colleen dramatically cocks an ear towards the door. "That ... it the sound of stampeding children between the ages of 10 and 50..." she smiles at Stephanie.

Seamus runs inside and pauses in the living room. He looks at Tristan. Michael had let it slip the boy liked leggos, but he figured he would save that for after dinner when the adults would be looking for a reason to get rid of the kids. "So now what?" he asks the room at large.

Logan goes about making hot chocolate without seeming to notice how the house is heating up.

Michael snorts. "What part?" he lags a bit behind the kid stampede. "The part where he likes me, or the part where I introduce him to my family and ruin any chance I ever had with him OR his mother?"

John slaps his brother on the back "We're not so bad. We're not so good either, but Stephanie seems pretty hardy and so does the kid. How do you feel about stepping into that role though Mikey? I mean the closer you get...the more you attach...and so does he."

Tristan tromps in the front and calls out "Mom?!" like he's just remembered she even exists.

Stephanie laughs and calls down "I'll be there in a sec buddy!" She stands up "I'm glad we got one quiet chat. I guess with teens...they don't sleep before you do so that's it for you?" She inquires of Colleen.

Fiona is rustling paper across the hall and ripping tape off a roll. She sends a quick text to Vincent to see what time he's on his way to join them "Minstrel, the house is filling up with madness. Bring the tranquilizer darts for the unruly."

Owen is in the kitchen at the counter already "Did you put hazelnut Logan? Fi did last time..."

Logan gives Owen the finger over his shoulder. "No. I thought I'd take a page out of YOUR cookbook and add half a pound of chili peppers. Of COURSE I'm putting hazelnut in it, dork."

Seamus chuckles and takes his place beside Owen. "That's cute." the dinner that would live in infamy ... or one of them.

Michael pauses on the back porch. "I love her. Love him. So yea ... just ..." he looks out over their inlet view. "You know ... I don't want to be like ... you know ..."

Vincent passes the back doors of the Town Hall replying "ETA 5 minutes unless O is cooking then i'' c ya on the 1st lol"

Colleen giggles. "We can still practice, but .. no more babies ..." she stands and looks at Colleen with a sly smile. "Unless you decide to give us a niece or nephew, of course...."

Stephanie snorts "Uh....I dunno...unless Mike begs me for one...which I don't see happening. I'm kinda done with the whole baby phase though. Not ruling it out entirely....just not really there. Besides my big baby still needs me a lot...." She grins and starts down the stairs finding Tristan at the bottom looking damp from rolling in snow and ice but grinning.

"I love this place Mom! Can we stay all winter?" He asks beaming. Stephanie hugs him "No bug, just tonight. But we could come back another time maybe."

Tristan hugs his mother back and then grabs her hand "Come on there's hot chocolate!" He pulls her to the kitchen.

Owen sighs and shrinks into himself muttering "You guys don't have to be dicks about it FOREVER...."

Fiona texts back "No O in the food." with 3 big kiss emojis.

John nods, giving his brother a wordless knowing look. He knows. He struggles with the same. Eventually he says "You won't because you're NOT him. It'll be better. The best part....YOU get to make it better. Come on, let's go have hot chocolate. Your family's already in there." By family he's not just referring to the Reinhardt's but acknowledging that Michael, Stephanie and Tristan are very much becoming one too.

Logan stirs the pot, which is the size of a cauldron. He is pretty sure its a lobster pot, but they don't have a lot of lobster. It's always been for large amounts of soups ... and hot chocolate. He turns his head and looks at Stephanie. "Awww, come on! What's ONE MORE Reinhardt. I know my brothers miss me .. that room has GOT to be getting big with me moving out." he teases.

Seamus stares at Logan for a minute, not speaking. He likes Tristan but .... he's really looking forward to his own room ... someday ..... Instead, he turns to Owen. "Only till the next one, O .. only till the next one."

Colleen looks at her son, then at Stephanie. "You ARE welcome to spend more than ONE night. But much as I like you, lets try and keep it under 10 days, shall we?" she giggles.

Michael nods, knowing his brother understands. "Yea ... I guess they are, huh?" and he opens the door.

Vincent looks at the message. "Rgt nxt door" and adds three kissy emojis.

Owen sulks and glares at both Seamus and Logan over their teasing. He skulks off after a few minutes and isn't looking where he's going as he walks by Tristan and accidentally shoulder bumps him "Sorry..." he mutters unconvincingly. He's not upset with Tristan, just in a rotten mood now.

Tristan has no idea what came before Owen suddenly being upset after the brothers teasing him about what seems to him like sharing his room with a stranger, as in him. He looks after Owen with big hurt eyes and rubs at his shoulder self consciously.

Stephanie looks awkwardly between her son and Owen, not really knowing what happened, just knowing Tristan's look. Cautiously she says to Colleen and Logan "Maybe in small doses..." and then smiles politely.

John comes in behind Michael and stomps the snow off his boots before taking them off "Hot chocolate ready?" He calls out.

Fiona beams at her phone and then fills her arms with presents and gallops down the stairs. She sidles by her father and uncle "Elf crossing!!" and heads to stick her stuff under the tree. Owen is sitting on the couch with his arms folded, looking out the window unhappily. Fiona notices him but doesn't say anything immediately as she has no clue why he's like that. Eventually she turns around and points to a package "This one has your name on it Owen....." she offers smiling.

Owen half smiles back and then says "Shit...I need to wrap....ah maybe I'll just pass them out....fuck...whatever...."

Fiona frowns and her eyes dart into the kitchen at Tristan. She's not sure what their family's thoughts are on swearing in front of him. Her parents, her father mostly, has always let it all fly, but she knows that's not everyone.

Logan watches Owen and then Tristan and rolls his eyes. "More for the rest of us!" he proclaims as if it is a victory. Then the doorbell rings.

Colleen doesn't hear Owen but looks at Colleen. "If I could afford Monastery school ......" she replies. Why kids had to pick the worst possible time to be brats. She looks at Seamus with her brows raises, expectantly then heads for the door.

Seamus blows out a breath and rolls his eyes, but slides off his stool and moves over to Owen. "Oh come ON." he begins. "We have to tease you about SOMETHING. Well ... I do ... come on. You're a killer skateboarder and I hate it, OK?" he offers an olive branch, but cannot help himself. "But .. I'm still a better skater than you, on or off the ice."

Vincent smiles when the door is opened and Colleen motions Vincent in. "Hey Mrs. Reinhardt." he greets her and begins to look for Fiona. "And hello ....." he realizes the place is packed with people. "Everyone else!" he doesn't have much on him, just two cards and a couple of wrapped presents. He slips one of the packages under the tree and offers the cards and the smaller gift to Fiona.

Michael watches the display and moves to Tristan. "Ignore Owen." he says. "It's a sibling thing. Believe me, he's just mad at his brothers." he looks over his shoulder at Logan and especially John. "Big brothers NEVER understand." he says, hoping to put Tristan at his ease.

Owen begrudgingly looks at Seamus and narrows his eyes. By the time he's finished talking he has the hint of a lopsided smile but he's clearly trying not to. Hearing Vincent come in actually makes him crack a full one and he says "I'm working on my cooking....and I'll race you any day on ice Shay...."

Fiona hears Vincent come in and turns to greet him with a light kiss on the lips as he hands her a present and cards "Mmm hi. Let me find yours then....Merry Minstrel...." She lets him go and bends down to the tree, picking up an odd tube shaped gift with a little box shape taped at the end of it like a base. "Do you want to do this...here...or not in front of everyone?"

John had been chuckling at Michael's joke to comfort Tristan and then his jaw tensed hearing Fiona ask Vincent her question in that wording. He had given Vincent a nod and a smile as he came in.

Tristan looks comforted by Michael and then stands a bit closer to him and nods quietly. He had heard the swearing and looked curiously towards Owen. His big eyed gaze now turned to Fiona and her boyfriend who seemed to be in the spotlight. He secretly hoped they'd open their presents there so he could see what was in them.

Seamus snorts. "Whatever ... Time will tell. Good thing our moms a nurse." he'd tease him about that meal and all of his other failures even if he because Canada's Top Chef. He looks at Vincent and nods, looking curiously at the small box and then the larger present. He bites off any words before they can come out.

Colleen smiles and leans against a pillar watching Fi and Vincent, then glancing at her husband.

Michael looks over at Vincent and Fiona, glad to see the kid again. He raises his brows, almost expectantly.

Vincent looks at Fiona and looks around the room. "Um .... yea ... um ... I ... " he looks between the larger adults. "Maybe ... um ... well .. I mean ... it's rude to sneak off ... isn't it?" part of him would rather be in Miami instead of having Fiona read his card and open his present in front of the family.

Logan looks back. "Welcome, Vincent! You're just in time for hot chocolate." he pauses and turns back, getting out cups for all. "Damn you." he grouses.

Fiona looks at Vincent and the nosy faces of everyone else and takes charge "Alright....we'll show you all after....but talk among yourselves for a minute." She head juts at the staircase and walks away towards it "And yes Dad....I'll keep the door open!" She calls out.

John had his mouth open, ready to say it and then closed it when Fiona pre-empted him and looked awkwardly around "So...hot chocolate....."

Owen makes kissy noises at them as Fiona walks away.

Stephanie had been watching Michael be there for Tristan and Tristan respond to him with an almost choked up look and belatedly chuckled at the young couple, feeling a little sorry for them.

Tristan looked slightly disappointed but then eager for hot chocolate.

Vincent looks enormously relieved as he heads up the stairs with his unopened presents.

Logan laughs as he begins to ladle hot chocolate into cups as if he's in a soup kitchen. "Yes, Father. Hot chocolate."

Seamus looks after his sister and Vincent

Colleen giggles and grins, and it gets a little wider seeing that Tristan has moved closer to Michael. Then she smiles wide, staring at the back door.

Jude Murphy pounds three times on the back door. "Open up in the name of Canada!" he bellows.

Michael turns around and sees Jude at the door. "Well, I'll be fu ... damned." he corrects himself last minute.

Crystal Brewton (Indie Author)22 Dec 2016




[[Most welcome .. have fun with the TALL bearded long haired black Irishman at the door LOL]]

Jamie Anna Wright22 Dec 2016




Stephanie looks mildly confused by the patriotic demand and waits to see what will happen.

Tristan steps one more half step closer to Micheal with a little jolt and is literally leaning into him sort of hiding from the back door.

Owen smirks, recognizing the voice and odd behaviour. ((I can change that if he shouldn't know him that well))

John walks towards the back door and looks at his brother in law with a grin and then back to Colleen "You want me to get it, or you wanna field this?"

Fiona leads Vincent into her room, which this time is a bit of a disaster because she's been wrapping presents and packing clothes for her grandparents the next day right from a laundry basket. She looks a bit awkward as they step in "Sorry, it's really bad in here today..." she excuses. She hears the knock but can't make out the words bellowed from where they are. Unceremoniously she clears a section of bed that's covered in clothes by shoving them off the the floor on the other side and gestures for him to join her and sit "You open first..." she says eagerly.

Jamie Anna Wright22 Dec 2016




((So it's th CDs, the poster that Real Men Play Harp and the pj pants:))

Crystal Brewton (Indie Author)22 Dec 2016




Vincent looks around Fionas room. "No, its fine. Laundry day. I get it." he sits with her and takes the sort of square present first, opening it up neatly, as if he doesn't want to ruin the wrapping. "Holy shit! Josh Layne!" he beams. "Wow ...." he turns to give her a hug and then sees the other things in the square package, revealing the pajama bottoms. He laughs. "I'm not modelling these for your Dad .. but I'll take a pic tonight before I go to bed. Ok?" he hasn't touched the large tube yet.

Logan looks at the door, as he ladles. "Oh for fuc ... Christ's sake. Can't make one thing of hot chocolate without the vultures coming out of the woodwork!" but he is laughing.

Seamus looks and jumps up. "He came!" he looks at Owen. "Told you he'd come!"

Colleen all but runs to the door, throws it open and then throws herself into the arms of a man taller than John and Michael but with raven black hair and beard, dressed rather scruffily. "Come in! Come in! We're having hot chocolate." she all but drags him and a large bag into the house and closes the door. "Stephanie .. this is my brother Jude .. I told you about him."

Michael chuckles and nods, offering Jude his hand to shake. "Hey man. Long time." he holds Tristans shoulder, comforted by his leaning into him. "And this is Tristan."

Jude all but carries his sister into the house and puts her and his huge bag down. He offers handshakes to Logan and the rest of the adults then looks between Michael and Tristan. "Well ... this is interesting." he grins and looks between Stephanie and Tristan. "Jude Murphy. Black Irish, almost black sheep, when Michael here isn't trying to steal my title." he shakes Michael's hand. "I bring presents." he looks at Tristan, carefully and can tell hes a bit different than the usual Reinhardt. "Santa dropped these off at my place to deliver. " he drops his voice a bit. "I can take his place in a pinch ... with the long hair and beard. I just haven't gone all grey yet is all."

Crystal Brewton (Indie Author)22 Dec 2016




[[I got 2 of the three ... I figger the poster in the next post cause thats the touching one!]]

Jamie Anna Wright22 Dec 2016




Tristan's eyes are like saucers at Jude. He's not scared anymore so much as completely fascinated "REALLY? Do the reindeer listen to you?"

Stephanie giggles at what Jude ways about Michael and says "Hi, nice to meet you Jude."

Owen jumps up too "Uncle Jude!" He walks into his view and beams at him like he's some sort of wizard they've all been waiting for with a cart full of fireworks.

John stands next to Michael ready to give Jude a handshake after too "Santa in training...who knew. How ya been man?"

Fiona grins "No you don't have to model them. But if you eat to much you could out them on after dinner. We're pretty casual here, meals on laps and movies till we conk out." She's wearing a pair of black leggings, a soft cotton skirt and his sweatshirt she stole on their first date "K that one now..." She taps on the tube and looks sweetly at him.

Crystal Brewton (Indie Author)23 Dec 2016




Vincent laughs. "We'll see." he takes the tube and opens it, sliding out the poster. "Oh ..." he unrolls it and looks at it. A male harpist and the words 'Real Men Play The Harp'. He stares at it for a long time, struck dumb. "Oh .... shit ..... Fiona ....." he moves his head from the poster to Fiona and back again then sets it carefully beside them and moves in to kiss her deeply, letting every bit of gratitude into the kiss. There tears in his eyes when he breaks the kiss. "Thanks ..." his voice cracks. "I love it ... all of them." he clears his throat. "OK .... um .... open the card first .... and then my present .... please ...." he clears his throat again but one tear escapes.

Logan has finished ladling and shakes Jude's hand. "All right .. come and get it!" he listens to his uncles.

Seamus's eyes brighten and he takes another step forward, only to be distracted by hot chocolate.

Colleen just moves back to John and snuggles into him, beaming like a little girl at ... well ... Christmas.

Michael watches the handshake and catches Tristan's question. He looks at Jude, rather interested to hear the answer himself.

Jude reaches over and takes two cups, handing one of the chocolates to Tristan. "Oh, of COURSE they listen to me." he tells the young man. "Reindeer are a little like chimps. Santa's are, anyway. They speak sign language." he explains it sounding perfectly logically. "And they're FAST ... not fast enough to get presents all over the world, like they say he does. Come on ... the whole planet in one night? I don't think so." he looks around as if the others should know this as well. "What he has to do is deliver the presents to the PARENTS, who hide them from the kids until Christmas morning." he motions to Michael. "Now sometimes you get kids like Michael here .. born ON Christmas. Now how unfair is THAT? So Santa gives THOSE kids presents early ... or he should. I'm not the big man, but .. yea." he sips his hot chocolate. He arches his brows and toasts Logan. "Hazelnut ... good man!"

Fiona smiles and then gets swept away by Vincent's kiss, her breath quickening, heart pounding and her mouth pressing hard against his. She savours the taste of his mouth and then sees his eyes when they break the kiss and can't help but get misty eyed herself. She loves him so much. She's almost dying to say it but she just kisses at the escaped tear "Look at you....I lo....I'll open the card." She says still tasting the salt on her lips. She opens the card and reads it, twice with a little smile on her face "Aww.....Sweet, and a hint?" She looks sideways at him and opens the present now. Understanding what the necklace is right away now she gets weepy looking again "Are we having a make each other cry contest?" she jokes in a hoarse voice. "This is amazing....holy shit I'm glad we did this alone." She turns and kisses him again, her tears now soaking his face and her own as she does.

Vincent bites his lip watching her but doesn't tell her if it is a hint or not. But when she looks at it, he takes his half out, already being worn by him, and shows it to her. "Yea ... we can't let anyone know we get all weepy." he clears his throat. "I'm glad too. Next year I think we should exchange gifts early .... and alone. A new tradition, eh?" he kisses her now and doesn't seem too interested in stopping, even though he hears the voices of her family downstairs.

Fiona had stopped kissing long enough for him to talk and then when he initiates another kiss she kisses him passionately, through a smile. Her hand slides up his chest to his half of the necklace and runs over it and then caresses the base of his neck lightly as they kiss a bit longer. Finally she gently pulls back "Can you help me put my half on please?" She scoops up the sides and back of her long hair and turns slightly so he can access the back of her neck to clasp it.

Vincent grins as she runs her hand up his chest. When she asks for help, he nods. "Sure." he takes the necklace and outs it around her neck, fumbling a couple of times before he gets it. Secure, he kisses the back of her neck near the clasp, then lets his hand run down her back and bites the corner of his lip. "Man. This is like the best Christmas ever." he grins, torn between looking at the poster and looking at Fiona. "I didn't know you knew I liked Josh Layne so much." he is in awe.

Fiona grins "I'm a good spy and it comes up on your phone even when you listen with headphones. And it really is." She had shuddered at the kiss on her neck ever so slightly and now leans into him sideways. She loves the way he....well everything. She just loved Vincent. Fiona turned and gave him a look that was an absolute and pure expression of it without the words coming out. She wasn't sure why she was so afraid to say it out loud.

Vincent looks at her, amazed at how well she knows him. It's incredible. Miraculous. And he CAN read her expression. "Fiona ..." he begins. "I ...."

From downstairs comes a gruff voice Vincent doesn't know. Sounds like whoever it was smoked too many cigars. "I guess Fiona can't come say hello to her uncle Jude, then?"

Fiona was hanging on Vincent's beginning, her breath caught in her throat. Her Uncle Jude's voice interrupts them and she groans "I'm so sorry....my Uncle Jude is here....dammit....hold that thought for later?" She gives him a quick kiss and starts to stand, beckoning "I'm sorry I have NO privacy...."

Vincent was about to say it .. was READY ... and Christmas was a perfect, happy, romantic time ... and then the voice came. He stands with her. "Sure and it's OK ... I'm getting used to it." he teases, ready to follow.

Fiona sighs. She loved her family too, but right now she just wanted a bit of a Home Alone moment but for teens. She wanted to lie down and kiss and cuddle with her boyfriend on her bed, nothing more. And she wanted time to tell him what was in her heart screaming to get out. Uncle Jude was a rare treat, but this moment was like nothing she'd had before and she felt a little sad to give it up. Still, she took Vincent by the hand and led him to the source of the voice "Hi Uncle Jude. This is Vincent, my boyfriend. Merry Christmas."

Tristan had been looking a little suspiciously at Uncle Jude. He was telling a different tale about Santa. Tristan already had a few doubts at his age and now this giant man was changing up the story again. He looked between his mother and Micheal for confirmation, reassurance even. Hearing Fiona's voice he looks her way briefly and then takes a cup of hot chocolate, sipping pensively. Reindeer like chimps? Sign language? Hmm..

John watched Jude spin his tale with amusement and then sees Tristan's doubt and tries not to laugh. He takes a hot chocolate too and sips and then turns when Fiona comes in with Vincent.

Owen rolls his eyes at his uncles tales. He used to buy ti all hook line and sinker. He sips his hot chocolate and watches Tristan. The kid is clearly on the fence, clever kid.

Stephanie has to purse her lips at the big man rework. She knows her son and she's suspected recently that he's hedging on the big Santa reveal. Maybe Jude would be the tip over.

Logan listens to his uncles Santa story while he sips at his chocolate. When Vincent and Fiona come down, he looks at them and then around the room. The house got crowded sometimes, but that was part of being Reinhardt's.

Seamus arches his brows, trying not to look as if he was watching Tristan. He'd figured out the Santa thing early, he believed. It being also his uncle Mikey's birthday, they often did Christmas early. But the kid was cute and didn't look like an idiot. Logic would win out. In time.

Vincent comes into the kitchen which now has one more huge man in it; Fiona's Uncle Jude. The largest man Vincent had ever seen live and in person, he walked up and offered his hand to the man. "Nice to meet you." he spoke bravely. "Merry Christmas."

Colleen finds herself welcoming the distraction of Fiona and Vincent. Jude's version of Santa went over a lot better when the child was used to having a relative born on Christmas, as Michael had been. It seemed his military experience was also woven in and, while a nice story, it was far from the usual. "Vincent, Jude is my little brother. One of the things that John and I had in common ... a much younger sibling."

Michael chuckles. Jude's story was one of his favorites and made Christmas tolerable for him. The big man had changed over the years. Military life did not seem to have treated him terribly well. But he was here and not completely withdrawn. "Yea. You're what? Getting ready to be 30, right Jude?"

Jude realizes he may have overplayed the family Santa rationalization for this kid. His time away from his family had been hard. His military time had been hard and in many ways, he was still recovering. Taking the hand of Fiona's boyfriend, he shakes it, glad of the distraction. That was why he'd bellowed for Fiona to begin with. "Good to meet you. I've heard you play. Impressive. I even got the e-album or whatever they call it that was available online." he looks over at Michael. "Yup. A year younger than this guy. It was actually kind of cool for me when we got to meet." he reaches for hot chocolate and offers it to Vincent. "Welcome to the family." he grins. "Never boring." he is being far more social than he is at any other time of year and it would tire him out soon enough. He just ... wasn't the man he used to be. But for his sister ... he'd do his best to be once a year.

Stephanie chimes in to Colleen "I have a much younger brother too....and now I'm dating his best friend and robbing the cradle." She jokes and then looks impressed at Vincent, not knowing he had recorded music out in the world.

Tristan laughs "Robbing the cradle? Mike wouldn't fit in a cradle. He'd break it." Tristan watches Jude and takes another look at Vincent, the boyfriend, the musician. He shrugs and looks back at Seamus who he relates to a bit better.

Owen gives Stephanie and Uncle Mikey a curious look and then says to Fiona and Vincent "What did you give each other? And hey,your album is out? I need to get one."

John looks a little amazed at how social Jude is being. He watches Vincent to see what his reaction is to the man. He remembers thinking Colleen's brother was a trip even before the military days. He nods in agreement with Owen about Vincent's album.

Fiona gives her Uncle Jude a touched look about him having Vincent's album, the one he collaborated on. She beams "I have it in my iTunes already too. We could play it..." She looks at Vincent "If I'm not putting you on the spot by playing it right now..." She gives the hand she's still holding a little squeeze.

Logan finishes his chocolate and watches. The whole family was together, complete with new members ... if all worked out. Uncle Mikey's marriage had gone down in flames, but this Stephanie was more a 'regular person' than Sara had been. He laughs at Stephanie's comment and Tristans reply. "Yea, you're gettin a little chubby there Uncle Mikey." he teases. "Eating a little TOO well."

Seamus looks at Vincent as he drinks his chocolate, then looks at Tristan and makes a funny sort of bored face. The longer the adults talk, the less interesting things become. "If you play is, could you turn it up?" he requests. "I was thinking of showing Tristan my legos..." which is about as polite a may I be excused as was possible for him.

Vincent turns red. "Well.... first of all it isn't MY album. It's Aquistic Spirit and India Tor and a couple others. But . they wanted harp music is all." then he gets excited. "I got an electric lyre as partial payment, though! I'll play it for you at some point." he promises Fiona. Then he looks at Owen. "Um I got a poster and a couple Josh Layne CD's." he tells him MOST of what he got.

Michael turns as red as Vincent at Stephanie's comment and chuckles at Tristan reply. He mock glares at Logan. "Not to chubby to toss your butt all over this island." he protests. Then he looks at Vincent. "They're great aren't they?" he replies and looks impressed. "And that's a hell of a gift, too." he listens to the list, then nods at the youngest couple. "And matching ... ALMOST matching necklaces." he observes. "Who gave what to who?" he wonders with an almost casual smile and a shrug. "Sorry kid ... occupational hazard. You weren't wearing it when you got here ... or not where I could see it..."

Jude chuckles and nods in Michael's direction. "I was about to ask the same thing." he turns towards the door. "I'll get the sit rep from you later Michael. I need a cigarette." and he heads out the door, stepping out onto the back lawn with its little bit of remaining snow.

Colleen smiles unto the point where Jude announces he is going out for a smoke, then subtly nudges John to see if he's alright. She straightens. "Alright everyone." she announces. "Everyone not on kitchen duty OUT." she shoos in the direction of the living room. "Shay you can show Tristan your legos if you want, or you kids can stay down here with the adults."

Tristan's entire being perks up at the word lego. And he nods vigorously at Seamus "YES PLEASE." He makes to follow Seamus.

Owen looks between them and decides not to follow right away. Let Seamus have some time with his new little buddy. Plus he might wrap his presents if he can sneak that in. He knew he was not on kitchen duty.

Fiona beams at Vincent as she walks away to set up the music to play from her iPhone "HE gave me the necklace. I love it." She plugs her phone into the dock and plays the album, turning it up a bit for Seamus and Tristan going upstairs. She walks back into the kitchen and washes her hands "Where do you need help Mom? Vincent can too, if he wants..." She grins at him.

John smirks at Colleen and gives her a little kiss to show he's fine. He looks harder at Vincent's half of the necklace and just says "Cool." with a little nod to him. He walks by his brother and pinches his side. Once Tristan is out of range he drops his voice and teases him "Not chubby, maybe a bit of cross training with getting laid though..." He winks at Stephanie and curiously follows Jude outside after pulling on his coat and walking his boots to the back, stepping into them, unlaced. He will come back and do his share of the cooking though after a chat.

Stephanie looks at Vincent and Fiona and has a little aww look about the puzzle necklaces and then hugs Micheal around the middle "You're just right to me..." she listens to the music "The harp is nice. Oh yeah Kagiso.....India's on this one too. She is getting so ready to pop."

Seamus brightens. "Come on." he bolts up the stairs and into his room, where he takes a large box of lego and upends it, because you HAVE to see what you're working with. "OK, you're the guest .. what do you want to make?" his presents were wrapped and under the tree. Among the first, actually. He believer in getting the unpleasant things like present wrapping out of the way as soon as possible.

Colleen smiles and then giggles at John's comment about Michael's weight. The more the brothers ribbed each other the more affection it equaled. She looks around the kitchen and inhales. "Alright ... get the rest of the hot chocolate in someone, Logan. Fiona, start warming up the carrots, potatoes and green beans. Michael, you set the table." she smiles at Vincent and Stephanie. "THIS year you can be guests, even though you both feel like family. So remember that, because next year I'll set aside something ... maybe silver polishing or table centerpiece construction or last minute grocery shopping." she teases them.

Logan chuckles and divides the last of the hot chocolate between Stephanie and Vincent, as they are the guests .. this year.

Vincent smiles at being told he is like family and moves to the stool beside Owen. He leans in to whisper. "That other present I brought is for you, man."

Michael snorts, even though he blushes a little bit. When the door closes he moves to get the dishes and silverware. "She really IS getting kinda big. India, I mean. I don't say anything to her, because she'd probably use my weapon against me."

Jude half turns and sees John coming up behind. He sighs and pulls out a matte black narrow cylinder with a clear container of some amber liquid. He treats it like a cigarette, but there is no light and certainly no ash. "Nicotine delivery system." he states. "Helps my nerves." he blows out a plume of vapor that looks like smoke but very obviously isn't. His smile has vanished. "I really wasn't expecting so many this year. God his family is going to take over the country." he snorts. "But for the kids ... you know. Happy Uncle Jude."

Tristan examines the pieces carefully to see how it could all come together "Do you like Batman? I think we should make the Batcave....You have lots of grey for the stone walls...."

Stephanie takes the second cup gratefully "Thank you very much. I'm happy to help....really...with anything. and thanks, we feel at home with you all too Colleen." She gives Michael a loving look. "Like family."

Owen looks at the gift, surprised "Really? Well I wasn't sure so I included you in my shopping....but it's not much....I'll give you yours and then wrap the rest." Owen drags his backpack from the hallway. From the way he drags it, it looks VERY heavy. He unzips it and digs through what looks like groceries and pulls out a can of black olives and hands them to Vincent with a grin "Merry Christmas Man!"

Fiona takes out the steamer from the cupboard and then fills the bottom with water. She sets it aside and grabs a huge bag of baby carrots from the fridge and a colander and washes them thoroughly.

John nods at the device "I've seen a few of those around. Darth Vaper eh?" He chuckles "Well Fi...and Mike....meeting people. Mike's comes with a kid....I think as we go on it will only get bigger. At least I hope all my kids find what Colleen and I have someday with someone. But I know you don't love the crowds...thanks for coming anyway Jude."

Seamus looks and nods. "Oh HELL yea!" he exclaims, never having considered hell a swear. "I'm going to see Lego Batman. I don't care how old I am." he pauses. "Wanna come? We could see it together." the kid likes LEGO .... nothing else much mattered.

Colleen sees the smile aimed at Michael and feels warm. The family is growing ... and for a change it's not her having to create new members.

Logan chuckles as he washes the lobster pot after Fiona cleans the carrots. "Are you guys coming back for New Years?" he asks as he fills it with water and just hand washes all but the final two cups. "Fiona is barbecuing ... something. Not Vincent .. not after THAT gift. But .... something...." he sets the wet cups aside to hand dry. "I'm gonna bring Kurt. Remember him? From Germany? He's going to be going to school here, so I figured ... he's like to be with some people he knows." he doesn't blush, but its a near thing.

Vincent blinks and watches Owen drag the bag near. He takes the can of olives and begins to laugh. "Perfect! Pizzas, salads, burgers .... and I'll think of you the WHOLE CAN, Man!" he sets it on the counter like a trophy for all to see.

Michael looks up when Steph mentions feeling like family and nods. With Tristan he can't move fast, not that he was a man who moved fast. He'd been with Harley nearly half a decade before he popped any questions.. Then Logan speaks and he lets his eyes move to him, curiously, but before he can speak, Vincent starts laughing and he notices that he's gotten a can of olives. "Owen, what the HELL, dude?" Owen was the strangest kid ... ever. Awkward was one thing ... Owen was that and more besides.

Jude nods. "Analog cigarettes mess up my lungs and I needed my lungs .. at work." he blows out a breath. "Yea .... Mike with a kid ...." he looks at John. "He has a good example, but knowing him .. and you ... he's probably terrified of being Herr Heinrich,ja?" he pats his brother in law on the shoulder and inhales again. "He'll be great if he's taking all his cues from you. And speaking of clues ....." he glances back towards the house. "Looks like Fiona found a boy she cant send screaming into the night ....." he teases. "Almost makes it worth a couple anxiety attacks just to see her smiling."

Tristan beams "You're never too old for Batman! That would be cool." He digs through the lego making that signature sound "Do you have an old man minifigs? We need an Alfred to tidy up.....Mom says she wants one too." He finds some black minifig legs and sets them aside for Alfred's pants.

Fiona is purposely quiet when Logan talks about Kurt, working hard not to let her face show any visible reaction as she engrosses in the carrots, dumping them in. She just waits and lets Logan lead this one after laughing to herself about the olive gift.

Owen grins "I know right. Let em open yours and then I'll wrap the rest. Guard my bag with your life!" He opens Vincent's cookbook and beams "Spicy!! Thank you!"

Stephanie steps away from Michael and goes to dig a card out of her purse, offering it to Colleen "To give you all something easy on a busy night." It's a nice holiday card with bells on it and a gift card for Zabat's for two and a gift card to cover pizzas for the kids.

John looks touched at Jude's suggestion that he's that good a father someone could take cues from and then laughs about Vincent "Oh I've had them already, calming down now. He's a good kid....and I can see they love each other. Scary to watch but also what I hope for them all right?"

Seamus blinks. "Your mom wants old man legs?" he asks. "Or a butler? YOUR the butler. Thats what kids do. All the work the parents don't want to do. She'll only give you MORE chores, yanno." he warns.

Colleen takes the card and beams. "Oh my god Zabats?" she swallows hard. "That's the most romantic ... and expensive .. restaurant on the island ... well .. maybe the Mariners. Great view there." she hugs Stephanie. "And dinner for the kids, besides." she giggles, then at the olive gift and shakes her head. Looks like Vincent is pretty much universally liked.

Logan smirks and watches his mothers reaction. It's really great to see his parents back on an even keel again.

Vincent smiles at Owens reaction. He holds up a warning finger. "Just promise me you won't deviate from the recipe in ANY WAY for a while. An eighth of a teaspoon of SOME things is PERFECT." its JUST the side of begging.

Michael chuckles. "Somewhere is MY contribution. A night at the Mariner's." he looks at Colleen with arched brows. "The kids are old enough to be left alone now. As long as Owen has pizza you won't come home to find the place burned to the ground." he looks around the living room. :Yea, its in that big one addressed to John. I want to see him go through all the layers until he gets to the gift card .... it amuses me."

Jude grins. "Well .. I know Fiona has great examples. But I know about Vinent's father. With luck .. the fucker will fall off the ferry on his way back in town." he scoffs. "You DO know he skipped town after pulling Megan Brate over the counter in her shop? Adum is NOT pleased. Might be hard for Chief Even Temper to hold it together"

Colleen takes the card and beams. "Oh my god Zabats?" she swallows hard. "That's the most romantic ... and expensive .. restaurant on the island ... well .. maybe the Mariners. Great view there." she hugs Stephanie. "And dinner for the kids, besides." she giggles, then at the olive gift and shakes her head. Looks like Vincent is pretty much universally liked.

Steph smacks Michael "That's mean...funny... but mean. And enjoy it Colleen. I struggle to escape from one sometimes, I can't imagine trying to get time away from four."

John 's entire being tenses "I hope the bastard comes back then so Brate can nail him. Did Colleen tell you Gino grabbed her to? And I get the impression he was about as nice a dad as mine. Vincent's fostered to a nice lady cop now though."

Owen chuckles "Ok Vincent, I promise. Maybe I'll cook for L..." He blushes a bit thinking about it.

Tristan makes a face "I already do tons but we're always in a rush with the restaurant..... Hey look this can be the elevator!"

Michael simply smirks and shrugs. "I know it's hard, because the second Brate went to college, guess who got to come babysit?"

Jude arches his brows. "No ... Adum only told me there were a couple other women. I think he was trying to avoid arresting me for the fuckers murder." he sighs. "Probably, but the kid is doing OK now .... come on ... lets go in. I can make it through dinner ... but then I need to go home."

Vincent arches both of his brows and quickly glances at Fiona. "L?" he offers an encouraging smile. "She'll love it. Start simple. REALLY simple, okay?"

Seamus nods and shrugs. "But now you can come over here. My dad is Uncle Mikey's brother and I can tell the family likes you." he nods. "Right .... now ... boulders."

John pats Jude on the shoulder and nods "OK, we can sit you near an exit...." he jokes, with a grain of truth. He stands up to go in again.

Stephanie grins at Michael "That's why you're so good with kids. Tristan usually takes longer to warm up to people."

Fiona leans over and nods at Vincent just before turning on the steamer. Owen had confided in her about L. She walks over to the guys and stands beside Vincent "Looks like a good book."

Owen moves to discreetly wrap more presents and beckons them aside. In the mix is a jar of maraschino cherries, some Ramen noodles, pancake mix and maple syrup - which get wrapped together...this one he stops to explain in a whisper "Big ticket item....Mom and Dad....yeah I'll be careful. I don't want to scare L off after 2 dates. He or she is coming for New Years by the way."

Tristan looks surprised but then smiles and creates several epic boulders. He has mad skills with lego.

Michael smiles. "You really think so?" he glances up. "He's a great kid. And i like spending time .. with both of you." he pauses a moment and then suddenly gets back into setting the table.

Logan leans against the counter and watches his family. Looking in Owen's direction, he notes the whispering and is curious. Knowing Owen's gifts of foods, he is half scared to know what he's getting.

Vincent nods. "It's a quick and easy cookbook. Great but simple ideas ... with that kick Owen seems to love do much." he winks at her. "If he keeps to his promise to follow the recipes exactly .... he might not hurt poor L." he looks at her. "Now whats the plan for New Years?"

Colleen heads for the stove just sort of scanning everything, trying not to look outside.

Jude nods. "Deal." he also heads in the house, pocketing his e-cigarette. He sees Colleen and grins. "I'm OK. Really." he slips out of his boots for the first time. A good indication he plans to stay for a little while.

Seamus begins to build with Tristan. "You're good ..." he compliments. "And fast. I bet we could get this done TONIGHT ...after dinner and presents when the adults are ready for us to not be downstairs again."

Stephanie suspends herself in the pause, waiting and then smiles a little as the moment passes and he goes back to setting the table. She gives Colleen a curious look after and then sips the last of her hot chocolate.

Owen wraps the Ramen noodles next and tags them for Logan "Fi wants to burn things..." he answers about New Years.

Fiona smirks "Well mostly wood, but we'll see how the evening goes. Plus skating and sledding...and if we get cold, piling onto the couch for a movie if we have to."

John follows Jude and then leans in to kiss Colleen "Tell me you saved me some work here. Not trying to ditch, at all." John had been doing more than his fair share of the house prep and cleaning in the evenings before this one but was also ready to pitch in again in the kitchen.

Tristan beams "Yeah!! And thanks!'

Michael makes minute adjustments to the table, which is set as regally as it gets. He watches Jude and nods to the chair next tot he head of the table for him.

Logan pfffttts at Owen and Fiona. "Mostly." he teases. "Bur if its just going to be a bonfire ... that's good too."

Vincent listens. It sounds like a fun evening already. "Is there something traditional that you guys cook?" he wonders to himself, his mind increasingly on food.

Colleen looks at John. "You can watch the pots and make the salad." she opens the oven and peeks inside. "And its all almost ready." she nods to herself and looks at her brother, curiously.

Jude nods at Michael and offers his sister half a smile as he takes his seat. He watches the couples ... all three of them, but says nothing, mostly just watching everyone at their various tasks.

Seamus smiles. "You're welcome." he begins to work with him to build the Batcave, glad to be working with someone experienced with LEGO.

John smiles takes the lid off a few things and turns one element down a few notches. He pulls out a big bowl and head to the fridge to collect the salad veggies. He pulls out a box of mixed greens, a cucumber, cherry tomatoes, a package of chives and begins to construct a simple salad.

Fiona smirks at Logan "There should be enough fun for everyone." Her sentence has a double meaning but she's vague enough to only direct that at Logan. "When did you say Kurt was coming in again? He's welcome to join us of course." She darts a quick look at Vincent, not sure if he'll remember hearing the name Kurt but the gears are working in her mind as to how to get him alone and explain all this BEFORE New Years. She knows they won't have the privacy at all tonight. Instead she just answers about the food "Logan was suggesting some kind of clam back or barbecue but maybe we could keep it simple and just offer to let people roast hot dogs and marshmallows."

Stephanie watches Michael briefly and then sees Jude sit "Should I call the boys from upstairs? Where do you want us all to sit?"

Owen turns his body and quickly wraps a few more things discreetly. He starts labeling and sticking stuff under the tree.

Tristan grins and builds. He's in the zone. Seamus is like a kindred spirit in the religion of the brick.

Michael makes a few micro-adjustments to the table and nods to himself, finally satisfied. He looks at Steph ad almost pouts. "Let them play. They seem to get along. And .... food ..." he teases.

Logan snorts. "I know, right? More for us." he looks in Fiona's direction. "He's coming in on the 28th and wanted me to show him around. You know ... a grand tour and all that. And you know Kurt. He'd love to see you again." he moves towards the dining room, counting chairs.

Vincent cants his head at the mention of Kurt, but soon whispers "Rule number one." and looks at Fiona. "I vote for hot dogs and marshmallows. Simple and easy." he considers. "But we might be able to pull off a clam bake this summer...." he suggests.

Colleen looks at Michael. "You are NOT taking the kids portions. We made more than enough for everyone. Probably need some extra chairs..." she considers. "You have three more at your place, don't you, Logan? And if that doesn't work...." she strokes her chin, trying not to fret. She hadn't considered chairs for all the people, even if she had found the leaf for the table to extend it. "Lets cann the boys down at the last minute. They're so quiet, they're obviously getting along wonderfully."

Jude considers. "Well, if you need me to, I can eat in the living room. Nice and comfy." he offers.

Seamus builds happily and also inhales. Finally someone who can appreciate LEGO. Owen tried, but he didn't feel it properly.

Fiona smiles sweetly at Logan, being supportive of his connection with Kurt "I would love to see him too. And he can meet Vincent!" She slides her fingers into Vincent's hand "Just don't get Kurt talking about ancient clocks or he'll go one for days. He's decided to go to UBC for their Archaeology program." She replies about the food "I've never caught clams but they're all along the beach in the spring." She hears her mother "I'll eat in the living room. Then I don't have to pretend to sit politely."

John puts the salad on the table "Colleen...." He walks over to her and puts an arm around her "I might have encouraged some bad habits while we were apart. Usually we've eaten this one all over the living room while we watch Die Hard." He looks at Stephanie "Probably not such a good choice with a younger kid....maybe Christmas Story tonight?"

Owen pipes up "Yippee Kayay motherfucker!" And then frowns, realizing his Dad is right. Stephanie might not be so cool with that for a 10 year old, even though he was pretty sure Seamus got to see it around that age.

Stephanie looks thoughtful "Hmmm...Die Hard eh? Garrett's probably let him watch some of it before. Tristan has never sworn. In fact prepare for him to be the language police if you folks do...." She laughs. "So don't let us mess with tradition."

Owen fist pumps in the air "Yes!"

Tristan is still building, methodically, obsessively, and enjoying having a partner in crime that way.

Michael shrugs. He does try and curb himself in front of both Stephanie and Tristan, even though he knows Steph can swear and when she does its music to his ears.

Logan nods in agreement. "Yea. Kurt is ... focused sometimes." he agrees. "And forgive him in advance. His English isn't the best."

Vincent nods and holds Fiona's hand. "Well maybe we can go clam digging together." he offers and looks at Owen with a laugh. He opens his mouth then closes it. The last thing he wanted to do was discuss family Christmas Traditions. At least not until he and Darcy had fully become mother and son, which is how he was starting to think of the relationship with Officer Lynch.

Colleen nods. "Well then Fi, Vincent and Owen in the living room. Seamus will want to be in there as well." she sighs and looks at John with mock exasperation. "I know .. too many forced formal dinners as a child." she pats his arm, understanding.

Jude nods. "I'll stay in here with you, Col. But I forgot my bow tie." he ducks instinctively.

Seamus takes a look at their progress. "Damn. We're good." he nods. "And fast too!"

John grins at Colleen "I figure as long as we're all together an happy....I don't care what we do. And no bow ties or monkey suits in this house...."

Stephanie pulls herself up a chair at the table and leans on her elbow, hand on chin "I'm super easygoing and happy to be fed. I'll let Tris choose where he wants to be."

Tristan beams at their creation "THIS. IS. AWESOME."

Fiona nods "Yeah German, then French, then English. At least he can write his papers in French at a Canadian university and take a class or two in French too probably. Weird that he didn't apply to schools in Quebec......" She glances at Logan and then looks away purposefully. Maybe Kurt's feelings for Logan were significant enough to influence his geographical choices in education.

Owen finishes his wrapping and writes a note on Fiona's present that says "Check the freezer for part 2." She doesn't see it but he slides it under the tree with the others and then flops, splayed on the floor, like it was excruciating "Done!"

Michael cannot help but smirk at his brother. "If you don't care, then a monkey suit should be fine ...."

Logan shrugs. "He said he knew people in BC ... so he wouldn't feel so ... you know .. alone and whatever."

Vincent looks at Owen on the floor. Then at Fiona. "You get a treasure hunt. Part two is the key to the locker at the train station." he jokes and heads into the living room. "If you die, can I have your dinner?" he asks, casually sitting on the couch.

Colleen shakes her head. "Together, happy and aren't breaking TOO many fire laws." she jokes. she inhales deeply and bellows. "Boys!! Dinner!!" and heads to the oven to take out the ham. She places it on a platter and sets it on the table while she waits for the boys to extract themselves from whatever they're doing upstairs.

Jude looks impressed. "You know, it was quieter in the military than this house sometimes." he teases.

Seamus hears his mother and smiles. "It is ... now lets go downstairs and maybe we can put together the Batmobile later tonight."

Vincent nods and holds Fiona's hand. "Well maybe we can go clam digging together." he offers and looks at Owen with a laugh. He opens his mouth then closes it. The last thing he wanted to do was discuss family Christmas Traditions. At least not until he and Darcy had formed a couple as mother and son, which is how he was starting to think of the relationship with Officer Lynch.

John jumps around at Micheal and makes monkey noises at him. He's actually alarmingly good at them and it always made his kids laugh when they were small. He follows Colleen after with anything else that ends bringing to the table and then gestures at the carving knife "Do you want to carve or shall I?"

Fiona can't help but giggle at her Dad's monkey impression before answering Vincent shrewdly "Only if you carry out the tortures listed in my will for my enemies first. Don't go light with the mace either Minstrel. Put the bodies in the locker since we already have the key." She doesn't say any more about Kurt, not wanting to overdo the subject for Logan.

Owen cracks up at his Dad and then slightly less at Fiona. She's amusing yes, but a little scary.

Stephanie blinks at John and then laughs and then glances oddly at Fiona with a slight grin. Michael was very accurate in his descriptions of her. She watches Colleen call the boys from upstairs and chuckles. It was nice to see Tristan connecting so easily.

Tristan has trouble tearing himself from the build but nods and follows Seamus "Yeah cool." Seeing the food he remembers there is a world outside of lego and he feels his stomach growl.

Michael rolls his eyes, but laughs at John.

Logan also laughs and takes a seat at the table, not its ready.

Vincent nods and deadpans. "Naturally, Boss. I've got you covered."

Colleen shakes her head at her family and looks at John. "You carve. Make up for playing in the back yard with my brother instead of helping." she smirks at both John and Jude to show she's joking.

Jude snorts. "Poor guy just can't get a break." he jokes.

Seamus leads Tristan downstairs and sees division. He looks at Tristan. "We can eat in the living room, if you want."

Tristan gives his Mom and Micheal each a little wave and nods "OK."

Owen looks over to his own parents and then at Tristan "We might watch Die Hard. Have you seen it?"

Tristan bites his lip and then not looking at his Mother says "Yeah, last year.....my uncles..."

Stephanie throws up her hands "Well there ya go."

John just listens and carves up a beautiful platter of mouth watering ham. It steams and glistens, just beckoning to be cut into with knives and forks.

Fiona smiles approvingly at Vincent and then gives Tristan a grin "Welcome to the cooler eating space."

Michael smiles at Tristan and then puts an arm around Stephanie. "Don't worry. You'll always have a child in me." he assures her.

Logan just laughs and watches the meat come away from the ham.

Vincent smiles and sits back. Food soon and he feels half starved.

Colleen looks at Tristan then his mother with a slight smile, then shakes her head at Michael's comment.

Jude simply chuckles and relaxes ... with most of the prople more spread out, he doesn't feel as confined.

Seamus beams. "Cool .. it's a family favorite here!"

Jamie Anna Wright11:43




Stephanie jabs Michael in the ribs and grins "Well then more nagging for you dear."

John is efficient in his work and gestures at the now ready to serve platter and all the rest of the food. There's a stack of plates at one end and cutlery "Ok....come and get it." He stands back to let the crowd form and run through before he has a go "There's wine for the grown ups, pop or milk for the kids. Stephanie, you might want to watch Mikey with the pop....if he has too much he'll wet the bed." He teases after Michael's child comment.

Owen practically hurtles the others in the room to grab a plate and starts generously loading it up.

Tristan finds the idea of Micheal wetting the bed hilarious and starts giggling while he lines up with the Reinhardt's for a plate.

Fiona looks apologetically at Vincent "They're a pack of wild animals sometimes, brothers. I just go slow and pick off the bits they leave, which are usually still pretty good. Unless it's scalloped potatoes....and then I have to torture one of them to get the good crusty topping they'll scoop off before we can get any." She moves to the line slowly, gently tugging Vincent by the hand.

Michael smirks a little at Stephanie. Then looks at his brother as if he's been betrayed. "You promised you'd never TELL." he mock whines, sounding very much like he's gone back to being 6 years old. He watches the stampede.

Seamus moves along with Tristan. Once Owen loads up he nods. "Alright ... it's safe now." and nods for Tristan to load up first.

Colleen watches Owen load his plate and then Seamus give way to Tristan first. "And the winner of the after dinner dish wash isssssssss. Owen Reinhardt." she looks at Stephanie and winks.

Vincent is happily tugged to the table and becomes the last of the kids to get a plate before returning to the living room with Fiona and digging in contentedly, glad the Reinhardt's aren't a praying family.

Logan grins as he goes for his own plate and a pop, even though he thinks his parents might let him have wine. He just isn't a huge fan of it.

Jude watches the descent on the table with amusement.

Owen groans at his mother and then takes a few huge bites and chews while he waits for the others. Once they're all seated he sets his plate aside and cues up Die Hard and hits play.

Tristan smiles at Seamus "Thanks!" and load up his own plate, even taking some of the veggies under the watchful gaze of his mother. He chooses to sit cross legged on the floor where he can see the movie well and digs in, happily eating.

Fiona sits down beside Vincent with her full plate and tunes into the movie "My favourite holiday film." She grins as she starts to eat.

John snorts at Michael "You bring people into my house I can embarrass you in front of....no holds barred man." He takes his own plate after letting all the others go first and then sits down, hearing Die Hard but not seeing it. He pretty much knows it by heart anyway and mutters "Fists with your toes...."

Stephanie looks back at Tristan perfectly settled with the Reinhardt kids and grins. Until Ryan and India have their baby, he's had no cousins and this is a nice change for him from sitting around with just adults in her family. She takes a bit of food and looks around at the adults, and young adult at the table with contentment.

Michael shrugs. "Fair enough." he gets his food and sits, listening to the movie more than watching it. "But it sucks all my embarrassing stories about you aren't fit for mixed company." he shrugs. "But I think I learned to knock before entering as a record young age."

Seamus settles in near Tristan. This is someone younger than he is and he sort of relishes having someone in the house taking the title if 'the youngest', even if only for a short time.

Colleen settles in. "Looks like Tristan has a fan." she watches him and Seamus together.

Logan fills his fork. "The kid knows legos." he speculates. "And is younger than he is. You guys might have a hard time separating them."

Jude chuckles. "Sometimes ... it just sucks to be the youngest." he intones and concentrates on his meal.

Vincent agrees. "Lethal weapon is a pretty good one too. There so many ...." he sits eats and drinks.

Fiona nods at Vincent as they eat. The movie goes on and the kids all watch intently.

Stephanie nods "I know Ryan felt that way too being so much younger than Garrett and I. I think Tris is just happy to be with kids over all adults....and the lego.....yeah he'll never want to leave." She half listens to the movie and enjoys her food.

John actually turns a bit pink at Michael's words and then laughs "Sorry..." he says awkwardly. As the film goes on John recognizes the lead up to his favourite part and steps away from the table for a second to stand in the living room doorway and watch for it.

Tristan's eyes are like saucers at the language and intense action and he eats without looking down at the food, just glued.

Owen grins and sees his father in his peripheral vision. He turns and makes eye contact with him and then turns back at the elevator door opens to the infamous written on shirt and the words read out in the perfect precise diction of Alan Rickman acting in a German accent as Han Gruber "Now I have a machine gun. Ho Ho Ho." Christmas was now in session in the Reinhardt home.