The Neverending Christmas

We got the girls a super cute retro kitchen set for Christmas this year. I ordered it online in plenty of time, and the box arrived a couple weeks before Christmas. But since there was really no space to open the box, set it up and keep it hidden, we left the box alone...until Christmas Eve.

When Matt opened up the box, he took out all 37 pieces, but couldn't find the bag of hardware. We looked everywhere for it, and it was not to be found. We were devastated. We knew the girls would love the kitchen, and were heartbroken they wouldn't have it Christmas morning. (Note: they hadn't asked for it, and didn't really know what to expect, but still...)

Refusing to give up, we ran up to the True Value hardware shop just before it closed. The enthusiastic staff was completely onboard to pull off a Christmas miracle. But, alas, they did not carry magenta-colored screws, and the information we had was not detailed enough. Not to mention, there were probably 100+ parts. So we went home, defeated, but hopeful that Santa would pull through with some fun gifts for the girls.

Since Christmas was on Friday, we couldn't talk to anyone until Monday, and the company immediately overnighted a set of hardware. Matt had the day off, so he put the kitchen together on Tuesday, and it was a surprise for the girls when they got home from school.

In hindsight, the kitchen may have put Christmas Day over the top. The girls had such a fun time with their family, gifts and cookies, that it ended up being nice to spread Christmas out a little bit. Lesson learned. Enjoy pics of the girls discovering their new kitchen!

"Whoa!" says Emma, who was too excited to take her coat off.

"Look at these knobs we can turn!" says Mia.

More presents!?! Yeah, we got them dishes and food to round out the kitchen theme.

Wash up, girls!

Mia and Emma set up shop.

Mia sets the table.

Apparently, the food looked pretty realistic.

Emma - it's just a pretend strawberry.

That smile is all the thanks we need.