First, there were the lovely flowers from Mom & Dad...

Then came the cheery balloons from Elaine & Joseph...

(Jasper is still fascinated with them -- they float and create funny light reflections on the wall)

Then, since Chicago's weather's been mild lately, Elaine & Joseph had some NYC snow sent to us...

And then Danielle sent a bit of spring (politicized, of course)...

Mom & Dad also sent me a beautiful amethyst necklace

(sadly, I can't seem to sharpen up the pics -- they don't do it justice)

And I got a sweet set of Simpsons books from Joel & Motoko!

(I've finished one already)