Before I even became a mom, there was one thing I was already dying to attend — a Christmas pageant. Tonight, my wish came true. Behold, E. and her fellow 2’s taking the stage for a stirring performance of “Jesus is Knocking at the Door”:

I know it’s very blurry, but that’s probably better since I didn’t ask all the other parents if they wanted their kid on the Internet. Besides, I was manning the video camera for the performance and took this photo while I had the video camera in the other hand, so cut me a break.

It was very sweet. Our class was the warm-up act for “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” by the 3’s and “The Christmas Story,” complete with a star, wise men, shepherds, and of course the holy family, by the pre-K’s. Even though it was only a two-song set, our little singer was very proud of her performance.

After the show, we wanted to celebrate her big night, so we headed over to one of our favorite holiday traditions — a crazy decorated house.

This year, the neighbors got into the act and really amped up their decorations.

We even got to squeeze in one more visit with the Big Guy:

And she wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass to reconfirm her order wish list. “I want a ‘tato Head.” (P.S. How lucky am I that the No. 1 item on her wish list is something I happened to buy at a yard sale 6 months ago — on a whim — for $3 and somehow forgot to give to her?! Win!)

And even more luck for me — look who caught me under the mistletoe:

That kiss is going to have to tide me over for a few days. Tomorrow morning, E. and I are Pennsylvania-bound to spend time with my family before Christmas. It’ll be a whirlwind trip — up tomorrow and back late Thursday night. And, I’m so regretting complaining about Florida’s cold snap this week. Every day that we are there, the projected high is 30 degrees! That’s a HIGH. Dear Lord. And there won’t even be snow.

E. is going to hate the cold. Last year when we were there, she was like those iguanas in South Florida during the winter — she shut down. She wants NOTHING to do with the outdoors. Even snow couldn’t lure her out last year. This year, it might have worked but I don’t think it’s in the cards for us.

If I end up going off the grid during our trip, Merry Christmas! Thank you for an amazing gift during these first few months of my blogging — actually reading my words!