Christmas with a side of Swine Flu

We have a large family so we get to celebrate this wonderful day several times over the course of a week. It's wonderful and it's exhausting but always so very special. Below are some pictures from our Christmas celebrations over the week.

These bean bags were a big hit. So were Woody and Cowgirl Jessie. Santa knew just want they wanted.

This game of chess took a lot longer than they thought it would..toddlers and chess don't mix especially with all those cool little pieces to play with! :)

Personalized pitcher and pint glasses for their new bar. The Dam Bar, established 2013 - Eureka Springs, AR :) They live minutes from Beaver Lake..and the Beaver dam. 

He loves this book. God Bless You and Goodnight 

We made sugar cookies, chocolate covered pretzels and brownies for our families. We love to bake together. 

These cookies make me laugh. We are lackluster decorators but they were delicious and Jonah loved helping. 

Cousin Eve with Journey

Uncle Dion got some cuddle time with JK

Love this picture. Granny Smith playing piano with Jonie.

Marty the Moose says hi!

He waited so patiently with his present. He held onto that thing for a good 10 minutes till it was his turn. He is such a good boy. He also loves his ladies. He made sure Tamara and Stevi were never far away and told them to "sit right over here" while he patted the seats on either side of him. 

We were unable to make it to Conway (Christmas #4) to see Ota and the rest of our family there because Justin came down with the Swine flu the day after Christmas. When one of us is sick, it's only a matter of time before the rest of us are too. One by one we began to fall...all except Miss Journey Kay who stayed healthy and strong throughout our misery. I don't know how she did it. She was up playing, eating and galloping while the rest of us either slept, cried or coughed our lungs up. My poor baby boy got it bad. He was just miserable.. running 103 temps.

This picture makes me so sad. This was Jonah for about 3 solid days. It got to wear he was ASKING for medicine. We almost took him to the ER on Jan 1st because all the pediatric clinics were closed but once the meds kicked in he seemed much better. The next day he was back to eating and playing.

It's been a slow recovery but so happy to report that our Jonah is back. He's still coughing a little and in need of a tissue from time to time but he's back.

Justin and I are feeling better too but recovering slowly. We spent our New Years Eve eating soup and were asleep by 9:30. Effing Swine Flu.. I knew I always hated pigs for a reason.