This is going to quickly become the biggest disappointment in the history of the Internet. I finally have photos of the outdoor lights, but there is so much less put up this year than other years. It has rained essentially every weekend since mid-November and try as I might to convince myself that it's totally safe to play with electricity while standing in a puddle, I just couldn't get myself to go outside. So, no Season's Greetings arch, no garland around the door, no waving Santa in the yard, no deer, no train, to tree for the train to go around, no presents, no outlines around the windows, no two-story green tree running from the roof to the deck, no fighting the strands that stopped working the second they were strung. Probably more annoying, no big tacky inflatable carousel thingy. It died unexpectedly as a result of a giant hole in the bottom. It looks to be repairable, but it has to be not raining for two days in order for the glue to set. So it just lies on the ground, limp and lifeless. Sad really because Alexis loves that thing. She's the one that made me buy it last year on clearance for 75% off. She held a gun to my head she wanted it so badly.

Anyway, I'll shut up now and let you look at lights. Even if they are pretty pitiful this year. But hey, at least you'll have something to look forward to next year.

If you're disappointed, go visit the trees. Rain can't stop a little indoor cheer.