Presser/Christiansen Family: Christmas Eve 2013

David, Isaac, Sammy, and Maggie as we arrive at the hotel

Tonight has been an exciting night. We arrived in San Antonio about 3:30 p.m. after spending the morning at John and Judy Trolinger's last night. We did not know what Sara had planned for the evening so we were pleasantly surprised to find out they had decided to have Nathan come for the night. Because he cannot go to the house because of lack of handicapped facilities Sara and Nathan decided to take the money they got from Wounded Warrior's project and go to a hotel at the river-walk in San Antonio. I was amazed but at the same time excited at the prospect of having Nathan with his family for Christmas Eve.

Waiting in the Lobby for Nathan to get there and Sara to check us in

After we finished some projects at the house we left about 5:15 p.m. to meet Nathan at the Hotel. Sara does not have a van to transport him yet so she has to call a taxi to transport him because of ADA regulations. We got there and got checked in before he came. After getting settled in the rooms then we went to the river-walk and went to Joe's Crab Shack for dinner. It was cool because they told us it would be a 30 minute wait and then they got us in within 10 minutes.

As usual the Riverwalk was beautiful with the Christmas lights

We had a good dinner despite the fact that Maggie fell asleep and David looked like he did not feel good but he said he was just tired. Nathan was able to take the stuff that they use to thicken his drinks and was able to drink Root Beer for the first time since the stroke. Larry and I shared a steam pot called Joe's Bean Bake. Usually they have good seafood but the lobster that I got looked like he was a little disable. Not much muscle.

At the end of the meal Sara got out her card to pay for the meal just as the manager came by and told her that another patron in the restaurant had offered to pay all of our bill for us. They wanted to be anonymous but they paid for the whole meal. It was great that someone would do that for us. I am sure it was because Nathan was with us and had his wounded warrior backpack and hat on.


Waiting for dinner

Then we went back to the hotel and when we were getting on the elevator a person came up to him and told Nathan thank you for serving and that they really admired him. Nathan started crying. I am not sure why but I am sure he appreciated it.

Still waiting and Maggie is going to sleep.

We went back to the hotel with our emotions high and appreciative for all that people do for Nathan and his family. When we got back we downloaded a game to my phone called Stack your States for Sammy. It is a geography game so it has some redeeming value. Then we gave the kids their presents. I was worried that David would not like anything that I had for them but he seemed genuinely excited about the Illustrated Stories of Shakespeare that I got for all of them. Maggie was so excited about her pink teddy bear with blanket that we got for her and Isaac was excited about the legos. Sammy just wanted to play the game so it all worked out.

After we opened presents we all watched the Christmas story on the new lds.org bible videos and then Sara also played a video about how to bring the Christ back in Christmas and we had a family prayer. Then the kids all started getting ready for bed. It has been a good Christmas Eve for our first day with Nathan and his family. So grateful we had the opportunity to come and spend this time with them. Thanks John and Judy for paying for our trip!