Clay has inspired me to write about some of my own family Christmas stories. First of all I have enjoyed reading all the concert blogs and things everyone has been to,and writing about. They are great! Since I cant go to a Christmas concert this year.I felt inspired to write about my own past. I have decided there are probley 3 really good stories I have. So today, I will start with the first one and hopefully do the other two each week before Christmas. Christmas Story #1 It was way back in 1974 or 1975.A few years before Clay was born!Lol For Christmas that year we got a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. By we I mean my brother and I , along with me mother.My grandfather(dads,dad)was doing work at the A frame hotel inside Walt Disney World.(the hotel was torn down a few years ago.)The hotel was just being built at the time. I was 15 and my brother was 5.We are 9 years apart. My dad was working and coulnt come onthis trip.We had an old white buick station wagon,that my mom drove us to Florida in that year. We followed my grandfather down there. He and his wife were pulling a camper. 3 or 4 of their younger children were with us.We spent the night at a campground in Alabama . NOW To go to Florida from Ohio, you do not need to go through Alabama! My grandfather took a wrong turn on the interstate and thats where we ended up at.lol We later found out his eyesight was not as good as it used to be. Thats why he missed the turn. WE were heading to the town of "Christmas,Fla.",yes thats the real name of the town. My dads uncle lived there.

When we got to town my mom was driving the car and went to make a turn,When She did THE WHOLE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR WENT KER-PLUNK! She got out and THE FRONT WHEEL WAS OFF THE CAR,and another piece was hanging down underneath! A tow truck was called! When we got the car to the shop the mechanic saw the Ohio tag on it an said to my Mom. "You didnt drive this car all the way from Ohio",to which she replied ,"yes I did!" He said something had rusted out and they would have to weld it.

My Mom called grandpa and told him she thought they were going to have to weld a spring or a brake,to which grandpa replied,"you dont weld either of those things!" It turned out the front axle had rusted out and had to be welded. I think the car was a 1968 buick station wagon.It was getting old when driven to Fla.in 1975. The rest of the trip was fun and uneventful,except for the day we were going to leave to come home. An Armidillo had somehow gotten into the car! WE had to get one of my uncles step kids to get the armidillo out ot the car before we could leave to come home. Last I heard they ate the armidillo. I dont know if this animal is really edible or not!

Here are a few pictures of the trip. Cinderellas castle at entrance to Walt Disney World Segalls at the ocean. my bother and some friends. My first trip ever seeing the ocean.

I hope you like my story. Have a wonderful holiday season! reneti