The kids awoke bright and early on Christmas day, but not too early for the adults. Guess all that swimming wore them out the day before!
Ender discovered that Santa had indeed found us in Wisconsin, and the little tiny tree was well-provisioned with a variety of brightly-wrapped delights.
We managed to get the three kids to stand for a quick photo before the unwrapping began…I’m sure the anticipation was killing them!
Vincent was thrilled with his Guiness Book of World Records 2009, and Santa brought one for Ender also.
Addie found quite a few art and craft kits among her boxes, most of which she has already worked on since we’ve been back.
The baby got the good old staple of toddlerhood….the Little People farmhouse. Its seen many changes over the years, but it still remains a landmark gift in nearly every child’s life…
Ender was delighted when he got the gift he has been asking for for months and months-a rock tumbler. Unfortunately, after only 3 days running, it is currently sitting upstairs in the closet in need of oil before it can continue its slow spin toward gem creating utopia.
The present-opening was followed by a hearty breakfast of all the leftovers that we had from the night before, and a bit of play with some of the toys. Heidi and Paul had to leave by around noon that day, so we said our goodbyes and spent the rest of the day relaxing around the fire and packing up our stuff.
The next morning it was time to go. Before we did, Addie got the opportunity, thanks to Grandpa, to play on a 60 year old original Les Paul Guitar. He has had it sitting in his house for years, and we’ve all strummed it a few times whenever we would visit. It was only on this trip, when he threw it in the car for Addie to try, that he learned of its true value. Though he was informed of what a rare and valuable item he has there, the true value of it became apparent as Grandfather played and sang for his grandchildren, and then allowed his 8 year old granddaughter to strum a few cords on it without reservation. You can’t put a price on that.
Tomorrow: Getting to Florida…The Hard Way (AKA: How we almost ended up on the federal no-fly list)