Tonight Jim and I joined Liz and Thadeus and the boys at the town square for the Christmas tree lighting, the arrival of Santa, and Christmas carols which were sung by local elementary schools and the high school choir.

The Square was bustling with families, all anticipating the arrival of Santa which came just after 7:00 pm. He arrived in a Fire Truck, and was escorted to his "throne" by local officers. It was thrilling to watch all the children, the excited parents, and to feel the home town spirit of the holidays. It was freezing cold - but you wouldn't know that by just looking around. There was so much laughter, so much playing, chasing, running, that it warmed our heart and soul to see and feel all this Joy.

It has been a long time since we have experienced the Christmas anticipation of young families, and so many memories came flooding of our past family Christmases. I am so grateful for all the holiday memories we have with our daughters, and I am grateful for the new holiday memories we are creating day by day.

Here's to the Journey!