Today was a wonderful Sunday. I slept in and attended the Community of Christ children’s session with the older girls. Then the older girls and I drew with their spirograph sets. Then I did my 11:00 church session with the Community of Christ. While I was doing all of that, Lily was giving very dedicated focused play time to Ammon who said to her he wanted to play with her and not by her self. It was so sweet to see Lily devoting so much attention specifically to Ammon.
Then we all sat on the couch while Lily read Christmas books to us. Then we were delighted to be surprised by my dad and Suzanne at our door, who came to visit bearing Christmas gifts. They only stepped in for a moment with all adults wearing masks and windows open, but then fortunately, it was sunny enough outside to be fairly pleasant so we chatted a fair amount more outside. They are so peppy and cheerful and it was just fun to chat and connect. Also, they gave all the kids Christmas PJs. We told Ammon he should save them for Christmas, and he said, “no” and immediately ran to his room with them, and emerged within minutes wearing his new PJs. The girls followed suit (picture at the end of this blog).
After that great exchange, Lily and I spent time outside with the children. I played corn-hole and trampoline with the girls. Then I did some cleaning and put dinner on for everyone. After that, I spent time in scriptures and journal writing.
After that, it was Lydia’s long awaited game of witches. She asked three days ago if we could play witches and I said we could do it for family night on Sunday. She was literally counting down the hours today and asking me if it was time so often that I finally threatened to cancel if she asked one more time, but I did tell her how happy I was that she was that excited about it.
When it was time everyone got dressed in witch costumes (I didn’t have one, but played along anyway.). Mary, Clarissa and I were good witches. Lily, Lydia and Ammon were bad witches. Good witches lived in Clarissa’s room. Bad witches lived in Lydia and Mary’s room. The common room between was the forest where we scuffled. The plot involved turf war when food was wanted where the other witches traversed, changing youngest kids like a student exchange, Clarissa’s wing ceremony, some fighting (mostly from Ammon), witches brew, a trick from Mary to get Lydia to like her by dressing up as her cousin, me suggesting that good witches and bad witches compromise and together eat sandwiches, and me and Lily falling in-love. It was a really really good time. Pictures below!
When we finished, Lydia said to me, “Dad thank you so much for doing that, that really meant a lot to me.” That was such a sweet sentiment of gratitude. I love that girl!.
I also want to take a minute to mention how incredibly helpful Mary has been these four days I’ve been off of work. She is so quick to clean, fetch things, help a younger sibling and just all around be helpful. It has been so much fun to be home so much!