Christmas magic

i love the week before Christmas. it is one of the most magical times...filled with anticipation and excitement. it seemed like weeks ago we had something planned on almost every december day...alas, since thanksgiving one or both of my boys have been sick. and you could hardly tell by the way they laugh and sing all day long (working hard on beans rendition of jingle bells....might be the best movie ever). although they had to cancel nearly every Christmas soiree and festivity they were invited to (including santapalooza, zoo lights and the annual viewing of The Christmas Story) we still managed to bake cookies (never fear...they were made solely for the boys and no infestation will be spread on Christmas day) and see the OVER THE TOP Christmas display in a neighboring town (this is someone's house, people). crazy aunt bonnie made it across the great plains in freezing rain and wind safely to our house. joshy gets in tonight from texas, and sweet pea is counting down the minutes until santa leaves the north pole. he is so excited to track his progress here. at the time of this post...17 hours, 55 minutes until he leaves the north pole. all is calm....all is bright.