Christmas Celebrations

Some of the best things about the Christmas Season are the programs put on by schools and Sunday Schools. In Minnesota today, Mr. Scottie Dog had the pleasure of watching our grandson Jakob perform in the Christmas Program at Bethany Church. He had begun learning his part before I come home mid-November.

On Thursday night, granddaughter Sydney was an angel in Redwood Christian School's Christmas musical, Christmas in Reverse. Even as a 1st grader she had a solo part.

She looked the part and was quite good (at least a proud Grammy thought so!).

Then today I joined Sydney, Liz & Steve at the Eagle House in Old Town Eureka. We went because we had it on good authority that Santa (the REAL Santa) would be there. Sure enough he arrived by horse carriage (he's resting up the reindeer for an upcoming long trip). There were tables all set up, home made cookies, hot cocoa with whipped cream, marshmallows AND sprinkles (!) were in abundance. The tables were set with green clothes, holiday decorations and a coloring page which was as it turned out, a letter to Santa. There were games to play (stick the nose on Rudolph and Snowman Snowball toss) and finally it was Sydney's turn to see Santa. How do we know he was the REAL Santa? His eyes twinkled AND he wore a Christmas Crown. His "helpers" only wear red hats trimmed in Red. At least that's what Sydney told me.

Here she is...amazed that Santa had just pulled a chocolate coin from her ear. She whispered to me later...."Gamma, Santa knows magic!" Many thanks to those who put this Cocoa with Santa event together.

I'm sitting here listening to Christmas Carols and thinking of my many blessings. May you also be blessed this Christmas season.

The Talent Show

Today started out with Gamma & Gampa attending the Talent Show at Redwood Christian School here in Eureka. That is where Sydney has nearly finished up her Kindergarten year. She has learned so much this year: how to tell time, to count to 500 & beyond by 1's, 2's, 5's, & 10's. She has learned to read and write and play nice with other children. She's learned about the world and who created it. She knows that Lincoln was the 16th president and freed the slaves, all about George Washington & Martin Luther King and more. She knows the seasons, what month it is and so very much more.

Today was the Talent Show. Early last week Syd announced she was going to sing a song. She planned to make it up as she went along on stage. Hmmm.................. Liz suggested that she sing a song she already knew. Well, Sydney decided if Gampa would play his accordion she would sing for the Talent Show. Here's a YouTube of Sydney singing at the show. Enjoy! Watch for the high five near the end. It's priceless.

Christmas Program with the Pre-School

Friday morning bright and early I arrived at my granddaughter, Sydney's house. She was all dressed up like a Christmas Elf in her red velvet dress. Liz, Sydney and I drove to Sunny Brook Farm Pre-School to drive for the Field Trip. We got in the appointed cars and drove to Eureka Nazarene Church.
I'm actually not sure how many kids went on the trip.....we were only responsible for 2 (Sydney the tiny elf on the far left and Martina, the cutie in the green shirt) and I know all the kids weren't around when I grabbed my camera to take their picture in front of the tree in the foyer of the church.
We were privileged to see the dress rehearsal of "A Star is Born," the musical put on by Redwood Christian School. Oh, my....these children (kindergarten through 8th grade) did such a good job. The musical was thoroughly enjoyed by our pre-schoolers and the adults alike. An interesting story with all the songs fitting in perfectly about a group putting on a televised Nativity Play with a spoiled Diva set to play Mary...and all the fun consequences. The children all (even the kindergarteners!) knew all the words and even a bit of choreography!
If you have a chance you should go see it.
Sunday, Dec. 14 5 pm
Thursday, Dec. 18 6 pm
Eureka Nazarene Church
Humboldt & E Streets
Eureka, CA
After the field trip we took Sydney a bit early we girls could go out to lunch. We don't get a chance to do that very often anymore. What a treat: Gonsea for Chinese food. Sydney just wanted the "spaghetti" (chow mein noodles).