Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Flu

After arriving home from China, we had Thanksgiving within a week.  We visited with Matt's brother and his family, and with my brother and his family.  It seemed like quick visits, but we were still recuperating from jet lag, so our days were all messed up at that point.

We celebrated Caleb's 11th birthday!

Anna had an ear infection, and I had an appointment for Rachel at Shriners Hospital in Greenville.  Matt had to take Anna to the Dr since I was in Greenville.  We got a good report from the orthopedic surgeon.  He feels that her small foot is from amniotic banding syndrome and not related to a genetic condition.  We are waiting for a date to amputate her little foot to prepare her for fitting a prosthetic leg.  She manages so well on her little foot, but I know that long term this is the right choice.  She has a beautiful personality and has transitioned so well into the family.  She can still pitch quite a tantrum as well as any two year old should, but those are seldom.  I know she will take this challenge in stride and be running around before long.

Later that week, we were struck with the flu.  It hit Matt first, and then me, Caleb, and Luke.  Joshua had a sinus infection, so the only well ones in the house were Thomas and Rachel.  We are so thankful that Rachel didn't get sick since she had just gotten her vaccinations that week prior.

Then, Christmas week arrived. My brother and his family arrived to have Christmas at my mom's house.  Overnight, my niece came down with strep throat, so the morning we were supposed to spend with them, they spent trying to find a quick care.  I did get to visit with them for a while, but the rest of the family stayed home just in case. 

Matt's brother and his family came up that afternoon, and we were able to have Christmas with them. The kids loved walking back and forth between our house and Papa's and just hanging out together.  They enjoyed having more time to get to know Rachel.

We spent Christmas Day at home.  The kids opened their presents and spent the day putting together Lego sets and watching movies.

The day after Christmas we headed to my Dad's house.  My brother and his family were there also as well as my Aunt.  The kids spent the night camping out in the garage with a heater and the dog.  Not sure how much sleep they actually got!  They played outside all day and took rides on the mule with Grandad.

New Years came and we celebrated with sparkling cider at "almost" midnight, a lunch of pork roast, black eyed peas, and greens, and an afternoon with our church family eating soup and playing games.