Eight Years Old!

Madeleine had a Christmas party for her eighth birthday this year. That was perfect since I've been dying to dress up as Mrs. Claus and I couldn't wait to get Jeremy in a Santa suit. Wait for it. Keep scrolling down.

Elisabeth wasn't as keen on taking off her beloved nightgown and putting on the Christmasy outfit I'd laid out for her.
I love how perfectly happy we look in the photograph even though within twenty minutes Madeleine was in her room sobbing because the kids at her party were "acting too crazy" and within four hours I had my first symptoms of what would become a week-long strep throat.
Katherine was eager to be my little Elf Helper.
After having an "opening presents relay race" we ate some pizza. We also played musical chairs with Christmas music and "pass the candy cane" hot potato. And then we had our handsome visitor.
Some of the kids got so excited they attacked Jeremy and tried to rip his beard and hat off. He kept his temper, but swore to me afterward that he feels so sorry for Santa and will never, never play the Santa gig again.
But what a sweet memory. And some day when Jeremy is old and white haired he might look back on this picture with fond memories as his first rehearsal for old age.

Madeleine has made some great strides this year in learning to manage her temper and have better self control. Some days it feels like we've grown years and years in just one short year. We are so proud of her and couldn't have asked for a better example for her younger sisters.

Happy Birthday Madeleine!