A Photography Trip and a Late Christmas

After everyone had breakfast, Abigail asked "So, do we have any plans for today?"

"Uhhh, not really." Spencer said.

"I've got an idea." Dani turned to Amy. "Do you want to go out somewhere and take some photos?"

"Yeah, alright."

"Any thoughts of where you gonna put that picture up in your room?" Geoff asked.

"Uhh, not really."

"Maybe we can do that after lunch?" Spencer added.

"Sure."

Dani moved to grab her two cameras before heading to Spencer's car. As they moved past their own car, Abigail said "Oh, I think we left our presents in the car."

"How about we grab them when we get back?" Spencer said.

"Okay. Sounds fair."

The five get into Spencer's SUV, with Dani in the driver's seat. Whilst Dani drove, Abigail asked "So you got anywhere in mind?"

"Uhh, I was thinking of going somewhere around Oxford."

"You know any spots around there?"

"Not really, but I'm hoping it will be bit of an adventure."

"Oh, okay."

Suddenly, Dani felt nervous. She couldn't help but feel like she was being judged. Then again, she respected the fact that they only wanted the best for their son-in-law and granddaughter, and she was determined to meet her approval.

"You got any ideas Amy?" Spencer asked.

"Uhh, not really."

"Well, there's always me." Spencer turned around and made a funny face, which Amy captured on camera.

As his daughter laughed, Spencer said "There we go. Our photography trip has been a success."

"Daaaaaaaad." Amy rolled her eyes as he laughed under his breath. Soon after, Dani pulled up by a wooded area, that the five began to explore. After a few minutes, they are unable to find much worthy of a photo, so Dani took the chance to teach Amy about the fundamentals of taking a good shot whilst taking shots of her family members. Her knowledge impressed both Amy and Abigail, who grew more comfortable about Dani being in the picture.

After a while, the five headed back to Spencer's car. Back home, they ate lunch before Spencer grabbed his tools and went to the bedroom with Amy to put her picture up. Once the two were happy, they move back to the kitchen where Abigail and Geoff had their presents waiting.

"Merry late Christmas." Geoff chuckled.

Amy grabbed her present first. Opening it, she found an external hard drive.

"Oh cool." Amy said. "Thanks."

"We thought it might be useful for your school work." Abigail added.

"Or maybe some photos." Geoff added.

Abigail then looked to Danielle. "We got you something too."

"Oh. Thanks." Dani grabbed her present, finding she had also been given an external hard drive.

"Figured you might need one too with all the banking you do, but turns out you've retired..."

"Still, these are always handy. As Geoff said I can always put photos on it."

"Of course dear." Abigail then grabbed Spencer's present. "And this one is for you Spencer. Merry Christmas."

Spencer tore open the wrapping paper, revealing a grooming kit that caused him to laugh. "Wow, I must smell bad if you can smell me in Washington."

The room filled with laughter, before Abigail said "Well we didn't quite know what to get you."

"No this is great. Thank you."

Just before dinner, Danielle heard her ringtone. "Hello?"

"Hey dear." Angela said.

"Oh hey Mom. How are you?" Dani headed to the bedroom, seeking some privacy.

"Good dear. You?"

"Yeah, I'm great."

"Fantastic. So how did Christmas go?"

"Yeah, it all went well."

"Everything went fine with Spencer's in-laws?"

"Yeah, they're great people."

"That's good to hear. Anyway, the reason I'm calling is that your Uncle's side of the family will be here tomorrow, and I'm going to book us into Thuong Thien. I was wondering if they'd like to come along."

"Uhh, that should be fine. Do they know about the situation with Spencer and... you know..."

"No they don't."

"Okay."

"Do you want me to talk to them about it?"

"I think that'd be best. I mean this is new for them and all..."

"Of course. So we'll see you tomorrow night?"

"Ah, what time did you plan on booking in?"

"Oh, uhh, about 6:30?"

"Suits me. See you then."

"See you."

After hanging up, Dani went back into the kitchen where Spencer asked "Who was that?"

"My mother. We've been invited out to dinner tomorrow."

"Cool. Will it be just them?"

"No, my uncle's family will be there too."

"Alright."

"Well we'd love to meet them." Abigail interjected.

"Of course." Dani flashed a nervous smile, hoping that tomorrow night will go as smoothly as the last two days have.