Santa, is That YOU?

I know it's been a minute since my last blog about the Holiday Wishes Quilt Raffle, but there was one big priority that's shared below: hint - Baby Boy Bodie!

Santa, is That You?

Most of our week was spent in Richmond, Virginia, babysitting 20-month-old Bodie. His parents were in Washington, DC, for a couple of days as our son-in-law received an award from his company (Capital One Bank). Bill was there the entire week, holding down the fort, but I had to come home on Thursday to take Ryan to his scheduled bi-yearly oncology appointment with Dr. Shad. I returned to Richmond Saturday morning with Ryan for the big Meet & Greet with Jolly Santa at the Willow Oaks Country Club, along with Bodie’s parents, the other set of grandparents, and my son-in-law’s sister and her family. It was a great day celebrating the season with the Hudson family!

I can see why so much is written, time-tested, and stories told of being a grandparent. Everything they say about being one is true, and then some. When we left Richmond at noon, while driving home the two hours to Crofton, MD,I was already missing that little guy so much! It’s an indescribable feeling, but one I’m thrilled to have!

Ssss no…Put it together, and you’ve got SNOW!

That Christmasy, festive aura came early to many around the country, with plenty of snowfall in the Midwest and beyond. Santa, his army of elves, and reindeer must have been thrilled to get their equipment all ready and shiny for the big night in 10 days! Before we arrived in Richmond, they had quite a bit of snowfall, too. Bodie was all about telling us about the “no,” then corrected himself, and stated (then pointed outside) to the ssss no. When I inquired about the “no,” and then the ssss no, Olivia said Bo had come up with the idea of teaching Bodie to say “snow” using basically two syllables. I think it's cute and clever since some consonants may be hard to pronounce with the little fella.

And… as much as I really do not like snow, no matter how you say it, it looked sparkly both in Richmond (all melted now) and in Crofton that snowed overnight. Thankfully, the roads were safe to travel, and we got home in record time - faster than on a perfect summer day! Who knew that could happen in the DC Beltway, with all the traffic that usually clogs it?

Here’s wishing my Sunshiners a spirited and safe holiday season in the next two weeks. I’ve also been reflecting on this year with gratitude and fondness for travel, celebrations, and the wonderful people in my life who make them possible. A BIG SHOUT of THANK YOU!!!

Wrap UP

All this festive fun, from Bodie’s “ssss no” lessons to celebrating milestones with family, has wrapped up my week, and honestly, my year, with a big red bow of deep gratitude. I’m heading into the holidays with a full heart and a renewed appreciation for the people, places, and moments that make life shine (and I know there are hard and challenging moments out there!). May your next two weeks be merry, "ssss no."

bSoleille!

Terri

Photos: 1) Bodie with Santa; 2) Bodie & G'pa Bill looking for golf balls under the sofa; 3) Crofton Snowfall 2025!