The first time we saw Santa this year, he asked William what he wanted for Christmas. I could see that William really wasn't sure how to answer this question, so I suggested, "How about a Toy Story Jessie doll?"

"Would you like a Jessie doll?" Santa asked.

William considered that for a moment, then smiled broadly. "Yes," he said, "That sounds good!"

Each of the other THREE times we saw Santa, William requested a Jessie doll.

So naturally Santa brought him one. And William was delighted, and played with her and Buzz and Woody and Mr. Potato Head and the space alien most of the day.

Tucking him into bed that night, Chris said, "Did you get everything you wanted?"

And William said softly and happily, "Yes. I got Jessie."

Dear Hannah,

It's not easy, playing the piano. It's not easy to learn to read music. It's not easy to translate those symbols on the page into motions in your hands. It's not easy to do that on the fly, in the rhythm and tempo of the music. It's not easy to develop the discipline of daily practice. And it's not easy to put yourself out there, at the mercy of a live audience.

So the fact that you did it - and did it well - makes me all the more proud of you, and what you have accomplished this fall. You did super fantastic on your Christmas recital tonight. Just like I knew you would.

Love,
Mama