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I had tears in my eyes tonight,  watching those little angels parade out.  And then my boy, the most serious of lions, shepherded by his cousin... Eyes forward and focused on the task at hand, until he saw me and flashed that shy eye-smile of his at me.




I couldn't have been more proud.

This pageant, of legend and Nat's childhood-- it was as magical as he's described it.



And not JUST because of my little lion.
Though that was most certainly a big part of it.



He helped pass out programs, confidently greeting strangers and telling them, "Thanks for coming" in that sweet little voice.  He sat quietly and patiently through the far-too-long commentary by the Catholic priest.



Have I mentioned how proud I was?


Little sister loved the night too.  Though she manifested that love by flinging herself around our pew, and chatting enthusiastically nearly the entire time.  "Bah, ba-bah-ba,  Bop!!!"  She "sang" along with the carols and watched carefully for Jack's appearances and fought mightily against us when we kept her from following him back down the aisle.
  

And her curls were to die for.


Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.  This stealth Christmas has come upon us like a bolt out of the blue this year, and we're just going to have to be ready.  We're here in Aurora and already soaking up the calm and peace of Claire's house.  We are going to try to just BE for a bit tomorrow. 

Just breathe.

And revel in the memory of 50 little children gathered in church, earnest faces shining in the magic of that old old story of that cold night long, long ago; tears in the eyes of every adult in the room as the past melds with the future and creates a present we wish could be bottled up forever; organ resounding and choir descant streaming and familiar-wonderful tunes filling our hearts.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and it will be beautiful.  Much magic to each of you. Soak it up.