Getting Started Just a Little Bit Early

So everyone in the Gardner-Hajek family has come down with a cold. First Annie, then Michael, then me, then Jay, and finally, Tim. It's not a bad cold -- only really miserable for one day -- but we're trying to not spread it around. That means we're basically not leaving the house.

We've read books, watched movies, listened to books on tape, and tried to keep ourselves busy. But cabin fever has set in anyway. We usually set up the Christmas tree after dinner on Thanksgiving, but in the interest of keeping family harmony, I asked the kids to set the tree up yesterday, all by themselves.

Annie and Michael diligently checked every string of lights to make sure it worked.

Jay put the strings on the tree.

Then they all put the decorations on.

I really think it's the most beautiful tree we've ever had. It was all done with very little arguing, too. I'm not sure what I'll have them do on Thursday afternoon, but all is quiet for now.