A Surprise Delivery

Several months ago we took the kids to Target. They had each saved up their hard earned chore money and each had around $20 to spend. On the way to the store they were discussing what each of them really wanted. Once we got there, each child went down their own favorite aisle in search of something perfect. Robert and I patrolled the aisles running perpendicular to keep an eye on all of our little shoppers. As I passed the Lego aisle, I saw Peyton on the floor quietly sobbing. He had dropped to his knees across from the $100 pirate ship he had his heart set on. He had no idea it was so expensive but was well aware that he would never be able to save enough to buy it. He'd worked so hard and long to earn $20. He didn't complain. Nor did he end up spending very much of his money. He was heartbroken.

At our house Santa starts shopping early. He has to pace himself. There are a lot of kids in this house. A lot of wishes. Well, he bought the pirate ship about a month ago and had been keeping it well hidden until the time came for him to stay up until 4 am Christmas morning assembling the darn thing so it could be perfectly displayed amongst filled stockings, candy canes and other special goodies. Oh wait, did I say Santa does that? I meant Santa's wife. Santa would just as well leave things in the shopping bags.

A few weeks ago when Peyton started losing control of his right side we had a decision to make. We realized that even if we still have Peyton at Christmas there would be no way for him to fully enjoy the intricate ship. Our obvious option was to exchange it for something else. That just didn't seem fun and I kept thinking of him sitting in target sobbing. So we decided to do something else.

Last Sunday while we were at church Santa made a visit to our house. For the first time in Ricker history Santa was concerned that not all of the Christmas gifts would fit on the sleigh. He needed to bring a few early. In the sweet card he left he apologized if there was any inconvenience. By the fireplace were five wrapped gifts (see, I told you Santa, I mean Santa's wife starts shopping early around here).

Jack got a super cute musical spinner thing, Bailey a Belle doll set, Trey a matchbox airport, Tyler a great magic set, and Peyton the Lego pirate ship.

He and his dad stayed up late putting it together.