Five Golden Rings

What is today, the fifth day of Christmas? With all the activity around here and the family coming and going, I’m having a hard time keeping track of the days of the week, much less the date or anything else. It’s been a whirlwind of activity, even counting the day I stayed in my pajamas in front of the fireplace until two in the afternoon.

Christmas started early for us on the 23rd when Trent’s family arrived. We had a great evening opening presents in our pajamas and then eating a scrumptious breakfast for dinner. We’re calling Rush’s Christmas pajamas his party clothes because it seems like every time he puts them on something festive is happening.

It really was a blessing that we were able to see so much family for Christmas, especially because everyone came to us. Rush was able to spend time with all four of his grandparents and almost all of his aunts and uncles. Trent and I were able to get enough done before everyone arrived (our freezer was full of muffins and mushroom soup and quiche), so we could pretty much sit back and enjoy time with our guests.

What is it called in the Navy when sailors switch their hammocks between shifts? Hot bunks? That’s essentially what was going on at our house as Trent’s family left on Christmas Eve and mine arrived about an hour later. Rush stayed awake through the entire Christmas Eve service at church, tired, but clapping after every song.

Christmas morning was a little different than usual as we waited to open presents until my sister and brother-in-law could arrive that afternoon. For once in was actually cold on Christmas day so we actually had a fire in the fireplace all day, from about 7 AM until 10 PM. Rush had his first taste of Julekake and gjetost, Norwegian Christmas bread (that thankfully my mom baked) with a carmely goat cheese, and I think the bread went over better than the cheese for him.

After months of work, especially that last crucial month leading up to December 23 when it was completed, the play kitchen Trent built for Rush was unveiled on Christmas morning. We moved it into the kitchen and it looks awesome. It’s worth posting more pictures.

We’re still living among stacks of presents yet to find a home, Christmas tree needles covering the floor, ashes overflowing out of our fireplace, and leftover baked goods. Combined with the rain outside and the leftover ham bone simmering in a pot of 15 bean soup, it’s the perfect 5th day of Christmas.