This is the first Christmas since we've been in Washington that we haven't had company or traveled. As much as we love having visitors and being visitors, we were equally looking forward to having a smaller, just-our-little-family holiday.
*********
Before the official celebrations began, we had to fit in one of our favorite traditions - graham cracker house decorating! This year we invited our dear friends John and Sue (or, as the kids insist on referring to them, Sue and John).
Thane's house was the first to be constructed and he wasted no time throwing candy on (well, at least the candy that didn't end up in his mouth first). Then, as the evening progressed and he saw everyone else decorating, he kept coming back asking to add (eat) more and more.
Bryce is a clever one. He looked over the available candy options and pulled out his favorites. Then he piled as much candy as he possibly could over his roof and walls. He's already making plans about how he can add more candy next year.
Aubree was actually interested in the decorating aspect.
John and Sue were just as excited as the kids and were pleased with their final outcome. The next day they were doubly pleased to eat their final outcome.
********
Two days before Christmas, I realized we needed to make a Costco run to get necessary food supplies. I loaded up all four kids, and headed into the frenzy, hoping for the best. Of course, when we finally navigated the parking lot, found a parking spot, and made it through the rain to the entrance, there were no carts. I stopped for a moment to evaluate alternative solutions, when suddenly a woman turned around, pushed her cart towards me and said, "Here you use this one; you've got four kids. I'll go find another one." How's that for true Christmas spirit? I was so grateful and impressed.
We made it through the store largely without incident. As we were checking out, Aubree turned to me moaning, "I don't feel very good." With Aubree, that's never a good phrase to hear. "Quick," I told her, "run to the bathroom, we'll be right there."
I quickly finished checking out, then headed to the bathroom. In my hurry, I stepped in a pool of puke. Not a good sign #2. We found Aubree lying on the floor in a stall (yuck), with the stall door locked, throwing up on the floor and her coat (double yuck). She wouldn't (couldn't) open the door and I admit I was frustrated, standing just feet away from her but completely impotent. "Just open the door," I begged.
Again, two Christmas angels appeared in the form of strangers, who hurried to help alert the workers, brought wipes, and offered words of encouragement and sympathy.
Once the throwing up subsided, we made our sad and smelly way back to the car (I guess I'm thankful we at least managed to get all our groceries). As I looked at Aubree's pale, green face, I began to have flashbacks of last Christmas. "Nooooooooooo!" I inwardly cried, "We more than met our quota of sick Christmas last year. This year was slated to be a 'healthy' Christmas!"
Aubree continued to throw up all afternoon, but between bouts of vomiting, she was remarkably happy and ... normal. We'd been planning to do our Minivan Express for FHE that night. Aubree didn't want to miss the adventure, so we hopped in the car, gave the boys their hot chocolate, and headed off to look at Christmas lights. We made it about a mile before Aubree changed her mind. "Please," she begged, "just take me home."
Thankfully, she slept long and hard that night, and woke up healthy and hungry. No one else got sick. I consider it a blessed Christmas miracle.
*********
For Christmas Eve festivities, we invited over our great friends/neighbors, the Smiths. We had a yummy dinner, then they joined in our traditional Nativity Scavenger Hunt. I made a few slight changes to our 2011 script, but having older kids participate made a HUGE difference. I was extremely impressed with how well all the kids listened and answered questions and shared insights. It ended up being a pretty long activity (well over an hour) because most of the kids were so focused (can't say the 3 year-olds didn't get antsy). There was a special spirit present.
Every time we sang a song, Graham clapped for us. He's the best audience.
Playing with their friends Christmas Eve must have exhausted my kids, because they didn't wake up until 7:30 am Christmas morning, and that is an extremely rare occurrence for my three 6:30am-on-the-dot
They made their way downstairs and were giddy with excitement to see all the gifts under the tree.
We opened stockings first then stopped for a mini-breakfast break, before diving into the real presents.
I think it's more fun as a parent to watch your kids open present you've gotten them, than it is to receive presents yourself. I had so much fun choosing gifts for the kids this year. Other people got them pretty great gifts as well.
Aubree was most excited to get a mini-American Girl doll (Caroline), and the AG "healthy mouth" kit (complete with stickers that look like braces) from Grandma and Grandpa Winters.
Bryce's favorite gift was a little Lego carrying case from Grandma Graff.
This was Graham's first real experience opening presents. He caught on pretty quickly (with a little guidance from his siblings).
I had an extremely difficult time thinking of gift ideas for Graham. What do you get a boy who has two older brothers? Finally, a had a stroke of genius.
Yep, I got him a box of tissues. Then I let him systematically pull out every single one. He loved it!
Mark got the three older kids awesome Threadless t-shirts. I don't yet have a picture of the boys in their shirts, but I'm sure I'll catch them sometime soon.
Overall, it was a wonderful, low-key morning. After lunch, the kids took advantage of the sunny day and went outside to ride bikes. Aubree was amazed;"I never thought I'd ever be able to ride my bike outside on Christmas Day," she enthused. "Yeah," I reminded her, "that's because you don't remember living in Florida for 5 years!"
After opening tons of new gifts, what did my four spend the bulk of their afternoon doing? That's right, coloring and putting stickers on boxes. Go figure.
Thane especially loved the piles of available boxes. He took a special liking to a small white box, and pulled it over his torso. It stayed there all evening. He even convinced Mark to cut out arm holes. He was upset when, hours later, it finally ripped apart.
The next day, we set to the task of taking down all our decorations. I know I'm stating the obvious here, but...it's much more fun to set up than it is to take down. Now the house feels so bare. I want to take the opportunity to document that through the hours of work, Aubree was a super star - jumping to help with any and all tasks. We loved it!
No comments:
Post a Comment