Christmas in California

Mimi and Papa arrived in California on Christmas Eve at noon and we were off to the races in celebrating Christmas.  We spent the rest of the afternoon at St. Clement's Church watching the children's nativity services, followed by dinner at Claremont Country Club with the Harveys.

We returned to Alameda to hang our stockings and get ready for Santa's visit.  This was the first year that Virginia really "got" Santa, but she proved she is still a toddler when she tried to swipe one of Santa's Christmas cookies!!!!  We have the video proof:

On Christmas morning, we awoke to find that Santa had forgiven Virginia's little momentary transgression and had nevertheless left us lots of presents.  Virginia got a train set and a pink bicycle, among other goodies.  We opened gifts with the Neelands in Alameda all morning. 

In the afternoon, we adjourned to Harvey Manor in Piedmont for dinner and more presents!  Virginia wore a dress that was handmade by one of Papa's coworkers, and she looked adorable.  She got a new dollhouse and princess castle from GayGay and Pop Pop and an electronically controlled giant Nemo fish from Uncle Biggie that was a big hit.  It was a great Christmas!