Gifts Save the Day

We got some gifts today that provided some fun picture taking opportunities and saved me from just posting yet another report on our desperate attempt to get sleep.  Some were from a friend of mine who works internationally as an English teacher.  We were room mates in high school and since we have never since lived on the same continent the fact that we are still in touch is a testament to the strong bonds sometimes formed by "Third Culture Kids."  We were even in touch before "social media" made it so convenient.

 These "sleeve protectors" would have come in handy at Liam's preschool where the teachers were constantly rolling up sleeves.  They don't have much time for wet or messy play in kindergarten, so I'm betting that Liam will be wanting to do it more at home.

Me pretending that Devin is opening his present while he smiles at his Dad.    We are seeing more smiles these days, although they don't always come when he seems to be aware that anyone is looking at him.  He sometimes seems to have very animated conversations with the wall behind our bed.

A bag with some beautiful embroidery for Devin.  You might be surprised how hard it is to get Liam to hold something up without covering his face.

These books are from a friend of Allen's from curling.

Liam got to do the unwrapping this time.

He wanted to read each book in between.  Remind me not to wrap presents in the Sunday funnies.

This book of ABCs of our area was of special interest.  I mentioned that several are close enough for us to go to.  Ooops!  New goals for  Liam.

Well, one-handed typing will keep this brief.  I'm going to try to grab some sleep soon.  Devin has been awake from 9 to midnight-ish lately, which is better than some other times but can still be exhausting when he seems to constantly be on the move.