Gift #485- This......

Jack and Avery Grace last night just after the tree was lit 

at the annual Iwakuni Tree Lighting Festival.  

The tree lighting is probably my favorite base event of the year.  It has such a great community feel.  The weather was a bit warm this year, but the music, hot cider, santa's arrival on a firetruck, being together with friends, and the countdown to the big light-up certainly gave it a holiday feel.  It never fails to warm me up when I hear all of the voices together counting down from 10 and then seeing all of the faces when the tree is finally illuminated.  We came home, grilled brats, and watched a funny movie.  Life can be so very good sometimes.