Christmas-in-a-Box

One thing UPS doesn't box and ship is precious time with family for the holidays!

Nothing can replace being together with ALL of our family for the holidays, but when togetherness with my family was not possible this year UPS, the telephone and the blog kept us connected.

When the box from my parents arrived at our house the Thursday after Christmas, we got to have Christmas all over again!

Miss Jillian got a Jack-in-the-Box and a set of stacking blocks. We all giggled as she anticipated Jack coming out of the box when the song was being cranked to the end!

Dawson got a talking alphabet puzzle and bathtub boats with real battery-powered motors. He now wants to take baths just so he can play with his boats!

Madalynn is officially in Hannah Montana heaven. Grandma and Grandpa Chadd gifted her with a Hannah Montana DVD to go with her two dolls and CD she received earlier. Pre-cut squares of colorful felt fabric came in a "Knot a Quilt" kit for her to tie together and make a blanket, which is perfect for our crafty Madalynn.

Justis got a Spiderman web-slinger, and the gift most coveted by his brother and sisters, a McDonalds play set! He pointed it out to my mom in a toy catalog several times. Justis is our office, house, post office, and grocery store make-believer, so what better a gift than a McDonalds play set? The set came complete with a headset to take a drive-through order with, a cash register (that works!) with a key and miniatures of all of the classic McDonald's foods. Of course, the set would not be complete without a McDonald's visor, which lets us all know whom we need to pay for our food! :)

Candle sconces and a shelf to go beside my whirlpool tub were my favorites. I now have a more serene haven for taking a peaceful bubble bath. Calgon, take me away!

Travis's face lit up when he held up one of his gifts, a t-shirt with a guitar pick in the center of the shirt that says, "Pick Jesus."

Thanks, Mom and Dad for Christmas-in-a-Box! We're looking forward to our next visit together!