First Christmas Gifts

Once the Christmas holiday was finally upon us, we were SO excited to be able to celebrate with our Texas family. Our extended family Christmas celebrations were going to keep us from having our Courtright Christmas until days after the actual holiday, and the kids were bummed about having to wait for DAYS to open gifts. Jeff and I decided that we'd let them open their big gifts before we headed to my parents' home in east Texas, but we didn't want to just hand the gifts over. Ever the creative gift-giver, Jeff wanted to do something special for Connor and Kaitlynn's first Christmas gifts this year. Using extra cardboard from the garage and strategically placed beach towels, he set up an elaborate game of hangman to let the kids guess what their gifts might be.

Connor went first, and I don't even think he had officially guessed a letter before he realized that the 2-word gift ended with the word "basketball." From there, it was a quick jump and he realized the first word - "Pool" as in a basketball goal for the pool. He was super excited!

Next, it was Kaitlynn's turn. Her gift was 1 word, 10 letters. She guessed letters over and over, slowly but surely filling in the complete word.

After about the 5th or 6th letter in, Kaitlynn was really studying and pondering the word. It was almost like she thought she knew what it was but didn't really believe her eyes. After all, this particular word was on the all-time "NO" list from her Sweet Daddy. As in, NO way. NO how. NO chance that she'd ever be given a gift like this.

As the word was slowly filled in - _ _ A M P O_ I _ E - Kaitlynn's hopes grew and the realization dawned on her. She finally guessed the word and got it exactly right the first time. Sure enough, it was a TRAMPOLINE! The hugs were immediate and lasted several minutes. And yes there were some tears, followed by a Sweet Daddy's emotional voice saying, "I don't always say 'No!'" Nothing gives him more pleasure than making his kiddos' dreams come true. (OK, yes, a bit dramatic but this girl has wanted a trampoline forever!) 

It was a wonderful morning of fun Christmas surprises for both kids - definitely a success in the gift-giving department! Connor was so pumped about heating the pool over the holidays and trying out his new pool basketball goal, and Kaitlynn was over the moon for having her long-awaited wish of owning a trampoline come true.

Now, about that OTHER lifelong wish of hers... HA!