Posted by Dennis D Broadbooks on 12/25/07 6:36am
Msg #227616

Merry Christmas to All, Especially Aven!

If I may I'd like to share what little Aven's Christmas was all about this year. Here's the latest blog from their CaringBridge.com web site (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/aven).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I hope it is a good one. Today has been wonderful though it didn't start out that way. We had some family who got ill that were unable to make it today. While it was disappointing we would rather not catch it and we enjoyed what we had. We had a delicious meal, followed by unwrapping gifts. Then we played Aven's favorite game....BINGO. Aunt Jen got Aven a really nice BINGO game and we took full advantage of it. Everyone took part in the game and Zach was the BINGO caller. Dad was the funniest because he had to win a Finding Nemo backpack. I am not sure what that was about, but he tried it on and was very excited about it. After BINGO we were ready for desert when we heard such a clatter. Much to our surprise Santa and the Mrs. came by for some magic. Santa read a wonderful story about Piper the Mouse and then presents were given to all the good little boys and girl. When Santa packed up we enjoyed some Dirt Cake and Many made their way home. My father and I took the boys, Aven, and Claudia to McDonalds and then Santa’s Magical Kingdom. So much for the delicious meal, but hey, they’re teenagers now. It was simply amazing. This is a Christmas to remember without a doubt. All day I have been so filled with joy and everything felt right. I could not ask for anything more. Love to all.

(Aven's Mom)

We have updated the pictures. I waited to post these as they were a surprise to many family members for Christmas. All have now received their special gifts and I want to thank Joe again as these photos will always be cherished. Also I forgot to tell everyone about a very special gift Aven received from his Grandpa. Aven has always loved the song “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” and Grandpa gave him a beautiful Hippo tooth. You might wonder how something like this could be beautiful, but it is. It has a carving of Gazelles on it and it is on a stand. Everyone thought the gift was great and as it was passed around Grandpa was asked where he got it from. He told everyone it was something special he had got for himself and now he is giving it to Aven. This was very touching for Aven to receive something so special. For the boy who has everything this truly was unique."