Daddy's Birthday & Christmas Eve

Oh, Santa...
"I just can't wait for you to come... and I've got cookies..." (Veggie Tales Christmas Spectacular)But first, Happy Birthday to Dad!

We have had a very interesting holiday thus far. We are sick. Very sick. We think we may have the flu, or something like unto it, with a bit of a bacterial twist as certain symptoms, but not all symptoms, have responded to a good ol' Z-pac. It started two weeks ago when Kaeleb got the gunk, then passed it to Brennan, then on to Kwint and me, then Kaeleb again with a fever and the gunk, then me with a fever and gunk, then Kwint again, and Brennan again. We had 3 parties in a row planned for this week... and canceled.

Last night we thought we were on the mend so we decided to go to Kwint's parents to celebrate his birthday. We'd had to cancel a party with our friends, so we were sad and wanted to do something fun. And it was...


This was everyone's favorite-- an authentic imitation Star Wars light saber.
We settled in to watch a Christmas carol when my fever set in. It was a miserable night and when we woke up this morning we knew we'd better just head home and hunker down, missing the family Christmas Eve dinner.

But first, we let the boys open a present each-- the ones they picked out and purchased with their allowance money for each other. Brenny bought Kaeleb a blue basketball,
and Kaeleb bought Brennan a lego airplane set. They were both so happy and thankful to each other. This will be a good tradition. :)
Then, we hit the road at just the right time to see SANTA himself, driving a tractor down Main Street in Layton. I suppose the sleigh is getting the pre-Christmas tune up. Awesome!!
Upon our arrival at home, we put on our Christmas jammies,
and after watching several old Christmas movies on TV while blowing our noses, we drank the ceremonial hot cocoa and toasted to our good health, which we hope returns by morning, and read Luke II before retiring early to bed.

We set out the cookies, and an apple for the reindeer (Brennan heard that they like to eat apples, core and all) and then Kaeleb said "Mom, I think we should leave a present for Santa. I thought it was so kind of him... but what would we leave? He looked all around and decided on two kit kat bars. He wrote a note that said "Dear Santa, I want you to have this." Next year we will have to plan a purchase for Santa. I think he gets enough sweets on Christmas Eve, don't you?

As he was falling asleep Brennan, who asked Santa to bring Playmobil knight sets, said "Mom, if Santa brings me playmobil, I hope he brings a princess so you can be her." Oh, Santa....