Our Christmas started out as happy as ever. Jon was very excited to see a stocking full of gifts, and evidence of Santa's visit!

Jon had asked Santa for 2 things. An rc truck, and red socks like Speed Racer. One down!

Jon took a break from opening presents to play his Leapster. I had found an inexpensive used one to replace the highly worn out one Grandma Glee got him last year. Plus, Santa brought 2 new games that needed to be tested out!

One of about 4 pairs of pj's that I got!
Tearing into a present from Grandma & Papa Smith.
Checking out the new GPS his parents sent us. (It is totally and completely wicked cool!)
Helping Jon get to his new set of Legos.
Gotta stop to try them out!
Jon had gotten a Speed Racer steering wheel. He was pretty much playing with it all day.
Gotta stop for a kiss!
Jon did the truck he was wanting. Daddy found it for him! We took it outside before it started raining to really give it a good testing out.

Whether he had control, or Daddy did, this is a great toy!
As the day wore on, we kept getting graver and graver news from Charlie's family. It got to the point that we knew he had to fly out right away to be with his dad and mom. It was hard to keep happy faces for Jon. We each had our moments where we just had to step away to allow ourselves to grieve over what we knew was coming.

Charlie took a moment to play with Jon by pulling out his old accordian.

I wish I could end this post on a happy note. That's just not going to be possible this time. Charlie brought a Christmas ornament for his parents with a message from Jonster. When he heard his youngest grandson say "Merry Christmas Papa", Jon smiled.
We've lost a wonderful person, and he is going to be greatly missed. Charlie was there with his dad, holding his hand when he passed.

We love you Jon Bud Andersen.