Airplane

The gigantic mystery present addressed to all the children from Santa turned out to be five-seater WWII airplane teeter totter.  Oh my goodness - these kids thought they died and went to heaven.  But first they had to build the darn thing.

We enjoyed a bright and sunny Christmas Eve with temperatures in the high 80's.  But a cold front blew in on Christmas day along with a tornado warning and the kids had to bundle up for the first time this winter.  No more shorts and t-shirts for these Texans (well, except apparently Brig).  So here's a look at how the Smith's spent Christmas.

 The boys headed outside with Nate to start building the plane.  It was a lot of work.

 Here they are with their pieces all set out.  Of course Clayton is wearing safety goggles.

 I kept checking in on their progress but the helpers were slowly deteriorating. . .

Here is Brigham helping. . .

 Here is Isaac helping. . .

 Here is Isaac helping again (can you spot him?). . .

 And here is Lydia wishing she were helping.

 The kids took a break from airplane building to go biking.  Eliza tried out her new balance bike - which she can ride all by herself.  Thank you Santa!

 It was cold.  Look at Lydia's cold watery (beautiful) eyes.  Brrrrr. . . .

 Then back inside for reading. . .

 (Isaac got six of these comic books.  He read them all in one day.)

Some silliness. . .

 More chess. . .
And making Sandzini creatures. (awesome toy)

 And while all that was happening Nate finished the airplane.

 Which made for some crazy happy kids!

 Oh, if only you could hear the sound effects accompanying this picture.  These guys are hilarious to watch!