We lost some of the magic tonight

Matt and I have wondered when/how the kids would discover the whole "Santa gig" and I have prayed for it to happen in a gentle way. So tonight it did, through a series of events involving me shopping today, the van, and a trip to see Christmas lights. I am happy to report that Amy and Sarah were not mad or even sad, but still in a bit of wonderment at how we did it all. I have asked them (made them promise, in fact) not to spoil it for the boys; reminding them that Marty especially, hasn't had very many Christmases to enjoy that special brand of magic. Hmmm..... I knew I'd be sad when this new era began, and you know what? I am. At these times when a certain season of child raising ends and another begins I try to remember what Ann J. told me when the girls were very little: "Yes, it's sad that one stage is over, but the next will be just as good, in a different way, and you will love it,too." Thanks, Ann J, I needed to remember that tonight. I think the girls will enjoy beign in on it, too.