Fifteenth Year, Twelfth Month

This moon would see us transverse the grand sea and continent as we left Europa behind.

The journey long but not too arduous considering the levels of our party members.

Despite our journey, St. Nick was still able to find the minions and fill their shoes with goodies.

All of us made it safely to our new lodging.

From farm to beaches, yet the climate stayed pretty similar.

The Oneironaut met us and stayed with us as we awaited the final party member to arrive.



Playing with the tide.


This will be the backdrop to which the lowest level members of the party grow accustomed.

What a difference from where we had been before now.

Under the new dictates of the local authorities, Hickory secured a more permanent housing for the party to stake as the new base of operations for our adventures.

As such the party had to inspect it inside and out and ensure it was indeed acceptable.

The minions and Epic appear to approve, especially of the fenced in area.


Hummingbyrd was thrilled to get new tools for making viands.

The mythical equine were released to avoid the crazed look in Mama's eyes.

It was then tested for mounted combat capabilities.

The track was deemed appropriate length for racing.

Within the numerous chests we carried with us were the necessary items to endure the next few moons without any personal belongings.  So glad for this.

Bricks ftw!

The Oneironaut's presence was also a blessing.

Puzzles at Christmas?  Why yes.

Much to their disappointment, the minions' schoolwork did travel with us.

So the very first time Hickory left the party to head into town, the Oneironaut went for a stroll and...

Skoshi promptly tried to chop his fingers off with a metal folding chair.  Thankfully our neighbors were home, as was the grandma who was a nurse.  He is much better now...but sheesh.

So our party may be a bit large.

Eve'tide explorations.

Hickory was ready to go see the seventh iteration of a familiar story.

Oh no, we have ants!  These will be the bane of our existence in this house I can tell.

Certain tools do not function across the Great Sea, and must therefor be replaced upon arrival.

The party has grown to a size that required a greater capacity tool.

Beds would be necessary as well as former accommodations would no longer suffice.  Lumpy dained not to use said beds in favor of the floor.  She would 'await her own bed's arrival.'
The coming of Christmas meant that Monterey Joe has once again graced us with his presence.

Christmas Eve means making cinnamon rolls, and having a birthday party for Christ.



Cake, candles, singing, and presents.



Christmas jammies are our tradition. 
We also open one gift for the whole family.  What could it be?

 From the Emperor and Empress, a WAFFLE IRON...Dash's dreams come true.

So we told the minions that there wasn't going to be more  Christmas due to our cross continental trek.  They hadn't seen us buy anything either, so Hickory got set up to catch them the moment they discovered that was not the case.

Well most of them got up, Skoshi decided that more sleep with his Christmas turtle was a must.

We let them all open the tall gifts while he slept.  That way battles could take place while breakfast was made.  Skosh woke up to join in.



Making breakfast peppermint hot cocoa and cinnamon rolls.


Time to sort and begin unwrapping.

Okay, time to begin.

Long sleeve tunics for all.

Skoshi and his elephant.  So much snuggle.

TURTLES!!!!  Even the TMNT are gamers, check it out.

Cars for the car fanatic, and exploration tools for our explorers.



Everyone had a great time, even the dog got some pretty sweet loot.

That Skosh had to inspect and test for approval.

Playing with the new bath crayons.

The waffle iron also works.

Just in time, Hummingbyrd's newest quilt for Hickory arrives completed.

It is decent sized.

And reversible.

At the after Christmas sale the minions made out well.  Skoshi got himself the coolest mount.


Well back to the beach.


Hummingbyrd did not plan on leaving the house dressed like a penguin, minions happened.


Time to learn about tides and the waves.

And small beach creatures.



What is it?  Don't know, let's keep looking.

Chubbly, looking philosophical.

Oh, what do you see Skoshi?  What are you poking?...Ack get your hand out of its eye socket!

Okay, on that note...time to move on and find somewhere to wash your hands Skoshi.  To the wharf!

Time for a bit of Holiday shenanigans downtown.

Followed by goofing around outside of Bubba Gumps...a restaurant Hummingbyrd cannot dine in.


Atty-Tude!

Let's learn about the history of this area...wait who cares?  Nobody?  Fine, nevermind.



Ok, we're out of boardwalk...guess you'll have to learn some history now.

And finally we make it to the aquarium.

This will be a regularly occurring location that I will just put up pictures and you can just peruse.

There will be many images of starfish, sharks, fishies, kelp, jellies, and all matter of sea life.

Watching divers feed the rays and sharks.

They are target trained to come eat.


Low-light vision required for good images.



Makes cool old-time images as well.







Anchovies, sardines, and JELLIES!!!


Puffins and penguins as well.

Our kind of exhibit...forward march!

Octopuses.


Nautilus


Cuttlefish.


Well we somehow made it through the end of the year without Morph's arrival, let's see how far into the next year we make it.