We started out the week before Christmas this year with a couple of sick kids, and I was determined to make sure that they were better and back to their "old selves" before the fun and celebrating began. Jimmy had a double ear infection and Samantha had an upset stomach, so they laid low and rested as much as possible. Within a couple of days, there were ready and rearing to go.
Grandpa and Miss Diane came over on Christmas Eve to celebrate with us and we shared a ham dinner together before gathering in the living room to exchange gifts.
Jimmy received his first remote-controlled car and it was a definite hit!
As our guests were leaving, we headed outside with them and the kids set to work sprinkling their homemade "reindeer food" all over the lawn. There was a bit of disappointment that there wasn't any snow on the ground for a "white Christmas," but we woke up to snow the very next morning -- just in time for the holiday.
Before we tucked the kids in bed that night, they opened their traditional Christmas Eve gift from us -- a new set of pajamas and posed in front of the tree.
They look forward to these every year and I love seeing them in fresh new pajamas the next morning.
It was hard to capture a nice group photo because they were both excited and tired.
In fact, when I told Jimmy that it was time for bed, this is how he felt ...
I quickly snuggled him in bed and then the older kids set out milk and cookies for the Big Man in the Red Suit.
The girls wanted to use one of their new "S" mugs for Santa. It was a great idea!
And Jack deliberated for so long choosing just the right cookie for Santa.
While the kids were all nestled in their beds, Santa set to work filling stockings and placing presents under the tree.
We don't do a set area for everyone's gifts. They are scattered randomly under the tree and it makes it fun to just pull them out and read the tag aloud.
We had the idea this year to give the kids an empty box before we started and then explained that they needed to put their opened gifts in the box. It would help to keep things organized for them (and for me!).
Stockings were first and I loved seeing how excited the kids got over each and every little item that Santa had specially picked for them. (It might have been my favorite part).
Jimmy got more bath drops for the tub -- something that he specifically asked Santa for this year. The "blue drops" are his favorite.
Samantha gifted her dad with two new decks of playing cards. It was her own idea and it was perfect because they are constantly playing card games together. (On the back of the couch is the beautiful quilt that Miss Diane had made for us).
Unicorn headphones -- who knew that they made these? Sophia loves them dearly.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Socks for Jack. A definite favorite.
One of our neighbors gifted us with this train table for Jimmy (we have some of the best neighbors ever!) and we had it set up in the basement. The boys were so excited about it.
Then, it was time for the gift from us to each of the kids. Sophia received a karaoke machine, complete with a disco light.
Jack opened a nice remote-controlled truck that is all-terrain and incredibly fast.
Jimmy got a kindle from us (so he can match his older siblings). The look on his face here is priceless.
And then, Sam. She had been asking for a while now for a hamster and I questioned whether she was truly responsible enough for one. In fact, it is well-known in our family that her younger sister is the more disciplined and organized one.
Steve and I discussed this forever and decided to surprise her with one for Christmas. She opened a book from us on how to care for your hamster, but never imagined that we had one for her already.
Yes, Nibbles had been in my (locked) office for over a week, just waiting to meet Sam. And so far, so good. Samantha loves her to pieces and Nibbles is getting less shy around us. She currently resides in the bathroom upstairs where she doesn't disturb anyone at night.
Later that day, we enjoyed a lasagna/spaghetti late lunch with my family and the kids enjoyed playing with their gifts.
Jack excavated dinosaurs from fossil eggs. Such a cool thing to watch!
Sophia received her own apron and recipe book, which we are going to begin adding her favorite recipes to as we cook together.
Jimmy opened a new construction book ...
And a camo coat to match his older brother's (well-worn) one.
And he spent a lot of time with his dad putting together a construction zone.
Here's to a great year in 2019!
