Christmas (with a Break in the Sickness?)

When Ezra came down with a fever Christmas Eve (and then threw up all night), and Beach still not doing well, I wasn't sure how the long anticipated day would go.  Thankfully we were able to get everything ready for the kids for Christmas.

A Christmas miracle, despite still having a fever, Ezra's spirits were up and he acted more  himself all morning.

We don't rush Christmas morning, and once everyone is awake and the parents full caffeinated, the littles open their stockings.

Freeze dried candy request this year.

Then it was Beach's turn....Beach and his humongo stocking.

You never know what I will find for that thing!

I got a yummy treat in mine as well.

Then we prepare our brunch, which always has a breakfast "cake" for Jesus' birthday.

There are other delicious things to eat as well and we sing Happy Birthday.

While we are missing family that we would have loved to join us, we still thankful for our time together!

Zoe was a fan of our bourbon coffee (it doesn't have alcohol, don't worry).

Being funny, Beach salivated over the neighbor smoking his ham next door...

and sent him the pictures.

Then it was present time, and the kids are always the most excited about the gifts they have to give.  Shiloh kicked it off with a painting for Beach.

She got me a sweet little plaque.

Then her gifts to her siblings...

Ezra was excited about his watch!

Zoe created special cards for us!

With self portraits. 

And I got a massage!  She has amazingly strong hands and does a phenomenal job!

I, also, got a whole coupon gift from Ezra (they know I love coupons and am an acts of service kind of love).

Shiloh was excited about her Zoe gift.

It is sweet to see their reaction of the gifts they give each other.

Then some gifts from us.....

Shiloh was thrilled to get some shoes she picked out.

Talk about old school.

Beach was, also, excited about a bag he bought (and wrapped himself).

I took a quick family selfie, the only family photo of the season I managed to get.

Then some playtime before a nap!

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Ezra woke up from his nap really not doing well and not wanting to go anywhere.  However, we were expected at the Grand Lovelands (they did not mind him coming and he could rest in a bedroom if need be).  Everything looked beautiful, as always!

Beach with his parents!

And the girls.

Ezra took a picture for us while he laid on the couch.

Grampa was brave and determined to get a picture with his as well.

Era did open his gift.

As did the rest of us!

Thanks for the attempted photo angle Zoe.

Glen and Donna liked their gifts.

And we enjoyed a chili dinner together.

As well as some hot chocolate and desserts.

Shiloh brought her ugly Christmas sweater cookies she made.

And we made it through!  It would be several more days before celebrating Christmas with my side of the family, as there was a lot of yuck going around with all of them as well.  Thankful for this time together full of smiles (and only brief tears).