Just after Thanksgiving we met our daughter in Las Vegas, Nev., to go to a show for our Christmas, birthdays, 30th anniversary, and all occasions this year. Kyra feels that we all have enough “things” and sharing wonderful experiences together is better than any other presents she can give us. Since we had only been to Las Vegas once before (about 25 years ago), and had not seen any shows, we did not know what to expect!

“O Cirque Du Soleil” was the show we saw on the Sunday night after Thanksgiving. We had orchestra seats four or five rows up in the center section. It was expensive and fabulous in every way! Billed as the top show in Las Vegas, it is technically stunning, and the performers are flawless in their fast-paced tumbling, synchronized swimming, diving, dancing, gymnastics high wire acts and other difficult routines. Much of the show is over a deep pool of water, then almost instantly a hard floor rises up and other routines are performed. It was as great as it was billed — an excellent event!

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My grandson turned 6 on Dec. 4. It was a very important day, he said, and he would be taking cupcakes to his kindergarten class that day. Daddy and sister were sick for several days before the big occasion, so it was difficult to plan. Kyran himself was not feeling very well during and after swimming on Monday evening, but seemed to get better so he could go to school in late morning on the BIG DAY! Grandma brought a cake and we all gathered for pizza at a local restaurant for his party (even Daddy and Alacia) and ate before Kyran opened his gifts. Since he likes art, mostly new art supplies were received at the party. The new scooter and other larger gifts were opened at home. Now we look forward to Christmas festivities.

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Such pretty snows we have been having. It was cold in Las Vegas. When we tried to come home, the Des Moines airport was closed due to ice and a plane which had gone off the runway and frozen down. It has been cold ever since. This is a change from the past year when we did not have hardly any cold weather before Christmas and did not have snow during the holidays at all. It could change yet, before the actual holidays this year, but this winter is starting out to be a real winter!

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There is so much to be thankful for this year. My greatest blessing is a great family of children and grandchildren which means so much. The smaller ones help you see the miracles of life through the eyes of a child and the older ones show the realism of life dreams as they move into their adult lives.

Have a blessed Christmas and New Year season with your loved ones! I think it is truly more blessed to give than receive, so enjoy!

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Joan Thompson lives in Ottumwa. She is a retired teacher and can be reached at joant684@mchsi.com