Our Christmas Story - 2007

If you try really hard, this poem can be recited to the tune of "The Night Before Christmas"

Well, kind of...

Twas Christmas in Florida,

when all through the land
There was sunshine, and laughter,

and family on hand.

First it was Disney
in Orlando, bright
To reunite with Brenne's
-so long from our sight.

The castle was covered
with lights up and down.
And fireworks exploded
all ‘round the town.

The cousins were nestled
all snug in their cart.
While visions of pirates
gave them a start.

Maddie in her goofy ears
And Bill in his cap;
Had just settled our stomachs
after the Space Mission gap.

When out on the lawn
there rose such a bang,
The kids battled the troll
and the Wildcats sang.

We had wine in France;
And in Ireland, a jig;
And then we were exhausted
and even hugged a pig.

Away on land speeders
Will and Maddie flew like a flash
To catch the Incredibles
– but we didn’t see Dash.



The ball at Epcot
provided a nice scene.
Maddie and Will
thought it was quite keen.

Our family took pictures
didn’t we, dear?
At MGM, Epcot and the Magic Kingdom.
We have them right here:

We watched a wood carver
And waited in line.
And Campbelle waved at the princesses
– oh they were fine!

Then after 4 days,
before insanity we’d reach;
We packed up the rental car
and headed for the beach.

When what to our wondering eyes should appear
But a beautiful condo
with ocean views so near.

We joined up with Gina and Marva and Jerry
I knew in a moment the octopus wasn’t scary.

We decorated a tree
and the boys flew a kite.
And we watched Grandpa gag on eat clams
Boy, that was a site!

We held candles at church
on the beach Christmas Eve.
A sight not possible in Minnesota,
you better believe.

More rapid than a dolphin, Santa, he came
To our condo Christmas morning – and he called us by name:
“Now Campbelle! Now Christian! Now Maddie and Will!
On Brenne’s and Dais’s and Tammy and Bill!”

To the edge of the ocean,
To the edge of the pool,
Now swim away! Now swim away!
Swim away, fool!


And then in a twinkling
I heard in the water
The splashing and laughing
Of my son and my daughter.

As I drew in my head
and was turning around
The children were stacked high
and making lots of sound.

Will and the older boys
went fishing to try their luck.
Through mangroves and channels,
That single fish cost 300 bucks!

We laughed and we ate and we truly relaxed
Until reality called, "It's time to come back!"
But our wish to you from this tropical isle:
"Merry Christmas, Happy New Year - may you live it in style!!"