Christmas 2013

This was a different kind of Christmas. A few days prior, sickness invaded our house. It started off as simple colds and coughs. Then pink eye. And ear infections (Thatcher). And then the worse of it-stomach flu. Eleanor began showing symptoms (vomiting among other things) and then it was just a trickle down effect. Everett. And then poor baby Thatcher. I was the last one to get it. Fortunately Eric avoided the whole thing. On actual Christmas day I was bound to bed sick. I am so happy we had the children open their gifts and "did Christmas" a couple days earlier when everyone was feeling okay for the morning. They had a wonderful time and loved all the gifts. We think about what to get each one of them months ahead and everything is very well thought out. They don't get much, just enough, but we try to get each child a couple things they (and others) will really enjoy. 

For Everett- He kept saying he wanted a Superman figure, for like months ahead, and he stuck with this idea throughout December. So a Superman figure is what he got. Needless to say he hasn't played with it much since, but it wasn't expensive and I figure at least one of the other children will enjoy it. He also got a new doctor's kit (which he loves and everyone has had fun playing with), and a wallet with some play money and coins. 

For Hampton- He has been asking for Bucky (pirate ship) for months and when he saw Santa it was his request. We saved it for last and after he opened his couple of gifts, he told us "I think Santa forgot Bucky." Low and behold we pulled it out and he was overjoyed! I mean true joy. It was magical. Hampton also got a set of hand bells and a new plane, which has a drill and is made to take apart and put back together. 

For Eleanor- Sister got some new play food (fruits and vegetables) and twin baby dolls- Sam and Stella. She loves them. 

For Thatcher- Little mister got a new dump truck and new school bus. He is learning how to push them back and forth, as well as load the dump truck. 

The children also got a play piano because they love music. 

It was a very good day, despite illness. Although gifts are fun, we tried to really instill the meaning of Christmas and Christ's birth. I think our big boys are now really getting it all.