Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! Sam seems to be getting used to the fun of the holidays. Yesterday we went to the afternoon Christmas Eve service at Grandma Barb's church. Sam was so well-behaved, wearing his Christmas sweater and coloring a picture of the Nativity. He started to get a little restless so Grandma Barb handed him a sucker. He sat there, happily sucking away, and the children's choir started to sing Go Tell It On the Mountain. He got so excited he started to clap along with the music, and his enthusiasm caused him to drop his sucker. It rolled out of sight. He dove after it, trying to wriggle under the pew, and then looked up with the saddest face any of us have ever seen. He was so upset, Uncle Mike had to take him out. When the service was over, we found them happily playing in the courtyard - all painful memories forgotten. We went right to my Uncle Bryce and Aunt Pat's house. It was full of family and friends, good food and excellent wine. Uncle Bryce made an appearance as a very convincing Santa Claus. He even has twinkling blue eyes! Sam was not afraid, but was also not interested in getting too close to him. Santa had a big sack full of toys, and Sam got a book and two big yellow trucks. We stayed much later than we had intended and Sam had a very late bedtime. This morning, Sam and I were dragged out of bed by Miranda. Sam was so good! It had to be overwhelming to see all of the presents, but he was incredibly polite. He waited his turn, oooohed or screamed at everything he received, and sweetly said "please" for each gift. (It's the closest I can get him to say thank you...it works for me.) Today we will stay in our pajamas, play with our new toys, and have a wonderful dinner. I pray that all reading this feel as blessed as Sam and I do today!