Two Special Christmas Gifts

Not surprisingly, the holidays were busy and full of excitement. Anastasia asked for just a couple of things from Santa.

1. Magic Tree House Books
2. A stroller for her baby doll
3. A display case for her stuffed dogs

Orlando and I were a bit perplexed by the list, but Santa came through with a shelf that fits into her already full room.



The grown ups received gifts, too. It's always fun to think about what would be a perfect present for the important people in our lives. Our gifts to our mothers were not really pricey, they just took a bit of combined legwork, and we managed to surprise both of them.

For Myney's gift Orlando and I got in touch with Brent Nixon, the naturalist we first met on our Alaska Cruise in 2008. Myney was very taken with his engaging style of presentation. He was the naturalist on our 2013 Alaska cruise, as well, and we attended every lecture. He mentioned during that trip that he likes to stay with fans when he travels, so Orlando and I hatched a plan. On a layover between cruise commitments, we've arranged to have Nixon stay at our house for 3 days and present a private lecture at our house (he'll also do a talk at Anastasia's school). She opened a copy of his latest DVD and when we explained her gift, she was very excited. His October visit will be here before we know it.

For my mother, Sandi, Rob, Orlando, and I pooled our efforts. Through a silent auction fundraiser for Anastasia's school, I was able to arrange for a flag to be flown over the Capitol for my Dad. Sandi and Rob sent the flag that was presented to Mom at his memorial service. We arranged for it to be flown on Dad's birthday, November 27. It was a grey day, blustery, raining, and snowing at various points. Orlando and I made our way to the Capitol, and we were able to get some great pictures, in which the only real color is the flag itself. We picked the best one and had it blown up on canvas to send to Mom along with the certificate describing Dad's service as a Capitol Page and Air Force Staff Sargent.



Sandi and Rob delivered it to Mom during a quiet time on Christmas afternoon, while the kids were occupied with their gifts from Santa. It was the perfect time for her to open it, and she loved her gift from all of us.

A Merry Christmas was had by all.