Finally, The Tree and Christmas Celebration #1

Last Saturday, after a very busy day that involved a lot of yard work for Shawn, we found about a 20 minute window to go and pick out a Christmas tree. (You know, go, go, go! Get in the car!) By some miraculous twist of fate we found a tree that we all agreed on within about 2 minutes. (I guess you could call it a Christmas miracle.) So we loaded it up and brought it home. Shawn put on lights on Sunday, and finally, Monday night we decorated it. Grandpa Quincy and Fran came into town to celebrate an early Christmas with us. After dinner out, we came back and set to work.

I'm sure Jonas was discussing the finer points of why or why not he should get a certain expensive electronic device for Christmas.

And here, I'm sure we are reminiscing about a beloved ornament...or something.

Everyone working together. (A rare moment of harmony for everyone.)

Our happy, Christmas elf.

Surely you can see the love here. Shawn asked them to put their arms around each other and act like they liked each other. Not very convincing.

At least the girls can be friends.

And Peter likes everyone.

There was much arguing amongst the girls (friendship only lasts so long sometimes, you know) about who could put the star on the tree. So finally, Shawn said they could all do it together.

During the decorating, Grandpa Quincy was downstairs wrapping presents and Fran was reading the kids a story on her nook. But everyone was "present" for the presents. Peter got to open his first and everyone was looking on with great anticipation.

Next was Duffy.

Then Amelia.

Jonas looking to see if Samantha's present interests him at all. It didn't. But it was perfect for Samantha.

Jonas checking out his new space crystal set.

And all the kids modeling their new hats.

It was a fun evening and especially fun to have Grandpa Quincy and Fran in town. The kids certainly didn't complain about the opportunity to open some presents a little early. (The next celebration is scheduled for Sunday, then next Thursday, and then actual Christmas. Whew!) I just wish that we didn't have so much homework going on because it's kind of getting in the way of my plans. You know, sit by the fire and read stories every night while drinking hot chocolate, going to movies or at the very least watching some Christmas videos together, maybe going to look at lights. Instead, everyone comes in the door after school and is either whisked off to their next activity or starts working on homework, then dinner, then off to bed with barely a thought to the Christmas season. Oh well. I'm going to keep dreaming and imagine that we have lots of quiet evenings home together. That way, just in case it ever happens, I'll be prepared.