Christmas Eve

Jess and I are trying our best to have a low key Christmas this year with the baby giving Jess lots of uncomfortable and unproductive contractions. We attended the Christmas Eve service at church, which went okay for about the first 20 minutes. Simon enjoyed singing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer during one of the hymns (and the silence that followed). Then Simon's serious case of the wiggles set in and we had to exit for the library with some of the other kids and dads.
Jess came to rescue me after a while and took him up to the nursery. I went back into the service and was enjoying it until during a scripture reading...BANG (who is opening the door so loudly). I turned to see my son entering the sanctuary running and squealing down the main isle towards the front (where's Jess?, not here, better chase). Simon went straight up to the alter and made a left turn looping around the pews and heading for the back again, giggling and squealing the whole way. I caught up with him about half way back to the rear of the sanctuary and scooped him up. Jess said she'd never seen me move so fast.
Simon had taken off after Jess let him get a drink at the fountain in the hall on the way back from the nursery and didn't look back. She obviously couldn't keep up in her condition. A coupe of the other ushers tried to head him off, but he whipped right past them.
We finished the service with Silent Night and Simon did very well holding the candle (with Daddy). He also rubbed both our backs while we sang. A very sweet ending to and eventful service.
At least visitors to the church will know that we have a very family friendly atmosphere.