unbelievable!

We've had some wonderful Christmases before, but WOW was this one special! Santa came around 11 last night. I was lying in bed with Dennis (who was way too excited to sleep) when we heard sleigh bells. He went to wake up his Daddy to check it out. When he got to the tree, he yelled "he DID come!" over and over while jumping up and down. He tore into the first couple of presents, saying "I just love Santa!" and other related phrases. Then he had to slow down because he got so involved in each thing he opened! Half the cast of Toy Story has moved in with us, and I found Buzz Lightyear snuggled with me in bed this morning. Woody and Bullseye soon followed as Dennis yelled "howdy, pardner! Are you ready to get up and play?". I was not ready, but it WAS after 9, so I can't complain. We decorated more sugar cookies and then headed to the lake for Christmas dinner. A real highlight: just after it started snowing bug time, we heard a boat and Bob announced "there's some fool waterskiing out there." We looked halfheartedly until I noticed that a familiar figure was indeed waterskiing out there in front of the house. Who else would be waterskiing on Christmas Day in the snow but Santa Claus in full suit, hat, and beard? We ran out onto the screened porch and watched as the boat turned around to make a second pass. We all yelled and waved, and he took one hand off the tow rope to wave back. Dennis yelled out "THANK YOU FOR THE TOYS!!!".

We've been home since before 7, and Dennis has been playing with his new Toy Story 3 Lego set from Uncle Denny. The thing about Dennis and Legos: it isn't just about the building. After he builds something, he plays with it for hours, days even! I hear him in there voicing the different characters that came with the set, each taking turns in rescuing the others from peril. He's having so much fun.

I can't imagine what could top this year: Dennis taking communion for the first time, Dennis getting everything he asked for, a great meal with family, SNOW in Alabama on Christmas, and Santa on skis. Heck of a holiday!

Christmas blessings to everyone. I hope you are warm and cozy, full and happy just like we are!