It was back to traditions for us this year... and boy was it special. Christmas Eve was spent with my Dad and stepmom and my brother, sis-in-law, niece and nephew. We had been battling the flu all last week (and the week before) so it was nice to have the kids almost back to health for the holidays. Their energy was a little down but their spirits were up. Roxy and I spent the two hours prior to going to my Dad's at the Urgent Care center trying to lower her 103.5 fever - brought on my an ear infection. He put her on some antibiotics and I gave her some fever reducer that helped. My dad's home looked as beautiful as ever and the it was great to see everyone. We woke up Christmas morning (bundled in our parkas since there is no heat in our home!) to gifts left by Santa. Roxy and Dillen got just what they asked for (a princess scooter and a toy shih tzu) and Piper got a fun little Disney ride-on toy. Their stockings were full and there was a special note to the girls left behind on Santa's empty cookie tray that instructed us to all go to the airport the next day (today!!) to collect one more gift from a helper of his - a gift that WOULD NOT go on his sleigh. Hmm. I wonder what Santa has up his sleeve. ;) My mom and stepdad arrived soon after we went through our stockings and we all enjoyed a scrumptious little breakfast of french toast, an egg strada and some fruit. Then we tore into our gifts. The girls raked in some nice loot. But, truly, the real spirit of Christmas was felt in the hearts of all of us. It was the spirit of giving and seeing smiles on the girls' faces that brought one to mine. After some serious play time, we headed to Sean's dad's house where we spent time with his family (dad, stepmom, brother and mom). We had a really nice time eating some great food, enjoying each other's company and opening some gifts. We left fairly early since the kids were wiped out. (Earlier in the day, Roxy had a fever of 105.2 - yikes! It was taken care of after a call to her pediatrician.) They all slept in their pajamas on the way home and then stayed up and watched a little television before hitting the zzzzs. Soooo... now it's the day after Christmas and we are about to leave the house to follow Santa's instructions. We are all curious as to what the gift is. I imagine I will be posting again very soon... perhaps with some pictures. Heh. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!