The most wonderful time of the year

When you're five and a half, you just don't get many days better than the one AJ had on Saturday. It started with a hockey game, and ended with a visit - and present - from Santa. (More on that tomorrow.)

It was a pretty exciting moment for him, putting on his game jersey for the first time. He was a little disappointed to be #3 this year - after all, his sister is three years old. But then I reminded him he was only #2 last year, so he must be getting better! (It'll be a sad day when my spin doctor skills no longer work with him.)

The kids played together as a team much better than last year. AJ scored two goals and two assists. He's getting a little frustrated by the lack of score keeping.

Jeff gets major Dad-of-the-Year points for his dedication. After getting home from work at 4:30 in the morning, he was up at 8 a.m. to take AJ to the game and help behind the bench.

Sydney and I arrived at the game about 15 minutes late. As we trudged through the parking lot with falling snow pelting us in the face, I looked at Sydney and asked, "Whose idea was it to live in such a crazy place?"

She looked back at me and answered, "AJ's."

"So we're blaming this on your brother?" I asked.

She nodded, "He's hockeying."