Today was AJ�s last day of preschool before Christmas. Parents were invited to come an hour before the end of class and join in a little holiday celebration. We walked into the classroom to see all our little angels sitting on the rug around their teacher beating the bejesus out of some jingly bells and, in some cases hurling them across the room. After the teacher got them quieted down, they went into the most enthusiastic, least tuneful rendition of �Jingle Bells� that I�ve ever heard. It was quite something to see. We got to join them for a story and them help them make an art project before breaking out the holiday snacks.

They also made us presents. AJ made a popsicle-stick picture frame into which the teachers put a Polaroid of AJ in a Santa hat. It�s currently the only decoration on our Christmas tree other than lights. We�ve just been too damn tired to put the ornaments up and AJ isn�t at all interested in the project. He has, however, exhibited an endless fascination for the lights themselves and has even ventured to count them all, although he never seems to get past 26.

We were feeling celebratory after the party so we took AJ out to lunch at a new brewpub near us. It was absolutely great. We live in a culinary wasteland, so we were thrilled to find someplace that has both decent food and atmosphere, not to mention some pretty tasty beer. AJ loves going out to eat and flirts shamelessly with any and all waitresses who come anywhere within a 10 yard radius of the table. He�s very good. Today he got extra fries AND a second pack of crayons. Aside from his tendency to wear a significant portion of his meal, AJ is the perfect dining partner. Rarely will you see someone with so much enthusiasm for absolutely everything. A sugar packet kept him entertained for a good ten minutes. And he was really fascinated by the big copper vats that are part of the brewery. He kept running to peak through the window between the brewery and the restaurant to see what was going on. He also kept demanding beer. I think I�d better keep my eye on him.

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