We attended a beautiful Christmas Eve service at the local Methodist church where they had the most amazing Christmas Cantata. The tiny church was packed to overflowing. It was unusual for us to see folks in shorts and sandals at Christmas Eve service. We're more used to dressy clothes and overcoats. After the service we heard the firetrucks going through town blaring their horns and playing Christmas carols. We spent a little time hanging out playing games with our new friends David, Deb and Nick on their trawler - Lilliputian before getting Coleen home and tucked safely into her bunk so Santa could come.
Somehow that big guy managed to sneak into our boat, fill her stocking, eat the cookies and milk, and leave presents on the table - with neither of us hearing a sound. He brought Coleen a couple of new movies and a tiny little Polly Pocket dollhouse. She also got new a new snorkel mask, sunglasses, a microscope, and lots of goodies for her American Dolls. Coleen had the most wonderful present for me! She (with a little help) printed a picture ---of her sitting on the deck reading, feet propped on the lifelines, a big smile - with her two front teeth missing. :-)above. On the back she had written in her best cursive the following poem:
"You are sweet as can be and very speshell too. You are my mommy and I love you. You can do anything. You can do everything and I love you!"
So you can guess which was my favorite present! I also received a tiny little waterproof reef fish guide book that I can actually take underwater while snorkeling - and a huge Reef Creature Identification book too.
We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas dinner at the marina. They provided turkey, ham, and the regular sides - and everyone else brought a dish to share , their own place setting and beverage. There was a huge table - at least 80 feet long filled to overflowing with every kind of food you can imagine. We ate until we were also overflowing :-(, while enjoying the company of about 200 fellow cruisers. Later we took Coleen to the park to play for a bit - and then I got my wish - a long walk on the beach on Christmas Day.
We then headed over to Lilliputian and enjoyed cocktails and a movie and somehow managed to fit in a little more desert.