So Saturday morning this happened!!

Our most wonderful grandchildren – David and Beks – were working on a Christmas project with Rebekah. When suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a movement in the front driveway – red, jolly, full with kindness, and sporting a magnificent white beard!

“Children!” I yelled, “take a look out of the front window!”

They did. And, much to my surprise, David ran upstairs and hid while Beks made her way to the front door to confidently greet our guest.

“Santa!” she cried. Then she ran upstairs to relieve her brother of his anxiety and to persuade him that all was well.

That’s right, Santa himself showed up at our house – Maul-Hall – for no other reason than to visit with the children. And Rebekah, he was very pleased to see Rebekah too. Of course we invited Papa Noel for lunch. Gumbo; it turns out he enjoys it a lot.

Seriously, folks, when your grandchildren are six and eight years old what could possibly be more magical than a personal visit with “The Big Guy” himself?

Here are a few photos. He even had time to offer a hug to great-grandma Grace. Enjoy. Tomorrow is the 3rd Sunday in Advent. If there is ever supposed to be some joy then we are most certainly finding it here.

JOY TO THE WORLD! – Derek