The Aftermath

We're so lucky to have the cousins here after the holidays. It helps with that after holiday let down that happens after all the hype is over. And it gets me motivated to clean up all the chaos of gift opening! We also went to the zoo today, so we got out of the house. Thanks for keeping us sane!
So the big winners of the holiday gift giving frenzy were:
1. The giant life sized tiger that Sarah bought for Peggy.
2. Satin sheets that we bought for Sarah.
3. The dog science kit David received.... this is the DOG'S favorite!
4. Diamond earings that are still coming in the mail thanks to the snow storm back east.
and last but CERTAINLY not least...5. the new truck that Dave is buying TOMORROW!
It's quesadillas and used clothing for a few months, but the skip in Dave's step is priceless!!

Traditions

The season is in full swing. The cards are out, the decorations are up, the presents bought, the wrapping paper is out and the parties have begun! The kids have seen Santa twice already. The first weekend in December we went to Dave's work party (shown in picture). Then this weekend we had breakfast with Santa at the Y. These are two traditions the kids just arent' ready to give up yet. Sarah went to see Nutcracker this weekend and Peggy and I go this week. David had finally said he's had enough of ballet.

The "family" started a new tradition that I hope doesn't last very long. Peggy and Sarah pooled their own money and bought their own tree. It's about 4 feet tall and it's in Sarah's room. Sarah's explanation was this... "It's too confusing with all those presents under the tree, I can't find mine." She even wrote a note to Santa asking him to leave HER presents under HER tree. Yes, we tried to explain that the tradition of a tree promotes the idea of family bonding.... yeah, that didn't work.

A Christmas Letter

I've been struggling as I do every year soon after Halloween is over with what to do about our Christmas letter. It occurred to me that nothing spectacular has happened this year... no one learned to walk, eat, or read; we went our our usual trips to Denver and Disneyland; and we're all happy and healthy. In addition, Facebook keeps us pretty connected to most of our far off friends and family. So what is there to write about? In lieu of hurting myself trying to witty, this year I wrote a personal note on each of our cards. Sometimes it's the sentiment, not the content that matters. So the Thompson Family wishes all of our friends, family and foes a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2010.

Ooops

I guess I've neglected this site long enough. Well I actually have pictures to share it's as good a time as any to post.

Went to Disneyland for the girls' birthdays last week and had an ENCHANTED time. Girls had makeovers, we all ate with the characters, and we went on every ride AT LEAST ONCE!

UNhappy birthday, not a happy UNbirthday

I like the white rabbit's version better. Today is David's 8th birthday. He's sick. We had to cancel his party last week (it is rescheduled for next week), we didn't get to surprise him with a trip to Disneyland today, no family members are going to brave coming to our house tomorrow, he didn't eat his special yellow donut, he had two bites of his special Dippin Dots at lunch, and he didn't touch the cake I bought him for today.

It's been an overall depressing day! The good news is Sarah has SOME energy back... now that it's day 8 of her sickness. I'm wondering if Peggy and Dave are both going to stay sick for that long.... which is going to lead to a long week next week!

On a brighter note.... oh there is nothing bright right now! I'll have to be on the look out for something positive to share!!