We’re celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas at Sanborn Manor. Today is Day 4.

We’ve never done this before. This year the Kids are going to be spoiled beyond belief, with piles of toys and books and clothes and all manner of opulence and extravagance. Because my family in Australia has decreed that it shall be.

So, we decided to let the spoiling begin early. That way the kids don’t get overloaded with gifts all at once and we save alot on wrapping paper, cause we are using the same Christmas gift bag for each present. Pretty smart, huh!

Boxes have been arriving at Sanborn Manor since mid November, and it’s a tiresome task trying to get them into their hiding places. Tonight Samantha and Timmy ran out to greet the UPS guy and collect the package from him. As he left, Samantha said, “Bye Bye Santa!!”

Imagination runs wild when there are empty boxes around. Today, Timothy and Samantha created a replica of the Dinosaur Train. They traveled to distant lands, made new discoveries and met lots of weird and wonderful creatures.

Tonight we gathered around the piano with Uncle Dave, Nana and Grandad, and sang Christmas carols – Samantha even made up a few of her own – and then we opened Day 4’s gift: some coloring books and a Kid’s One Year Devotional. Samantha loves books, and immediately asked Daddy to read it. After we were done with the entry for Dec 15, she grabbed the book and sat down to look at the pictures. Timmy was more interested in the Big Bird and Elmo coloring books.

But I have a feeling that the toy of choice tomorrow will be those boxes sitting on the front porch – those things can really take you places.