Tradition

I was suppose to have lots of quality pictures for this post...but I failed to put a memory card back into the camera. Oops! So instead of messing with my camera settings, I was still able to enjoy the moment, well sort of. 

If all of your grandparents and aunts and uncles were there I wouldn't have taken a single picture. Since they are a little more than across town, I tried to catch a couple of shots for them. 

You are on the right in the hot pink sweater and you did exactly what you were suppose to do and say all of the songs and did all of the motions. Wow! Who would have thought it would be so easy for you to leave my side and just grow up! 

Jacob waving to you. You didn't see us until the very end. 

Your big brother trying to get his hands on anything he can read...too sweet. I remember my mom pointing to the words for me as I was just learning how to read in the teal and red colored hymnal. 

We quickly grabbed a cookie and snuck out to catch a glimpse of the ice carvings. You both told dad I said we were going to Toads afterwards. And we did, because we are suckers! 

Our meal was the price of my food and drink on Tuesday night...and I would much rather spend the night out with you guys even though I had a good time. I'm glad dad was up for our little tradition. 

You both know exactly what you want and settled on playing just one game tonight. 

When we left the restaurant to go home, the sidewalks were quiet. The ice statues stood still and sparkled in the lights. As we walked by Santa's village at 8:15 and Santa was outside closing things up, you two bypassed him without even saying hello or goodnight.

Your dad and I didn't push it, we just kept on walking. You both agreed that going to Toads is better than saying anything to Santa, even if you have only asked him for a basketball and horse. Your little program and this little walk tonight made it feel like Christmas. 

Today you shared with me that our neighbor boy told you Santa doesn't bring the gifts, and that your parents do. You were trying to tell him he was wrong and I simply told you that you were both right. Moms and dads do give gifts, along with Santa. However, if you knew the truth would it change things for you? Like I've said, your dad should get some credit for all of his hard work, right? So here's to Christmas and sharing kindness and love to those around you.