I would never get these if I had to travel to see these three of my grandchildren. My fourth grandchild lives with her parents (my son and his wife) in New York, so I don’t see her nearly as much. But we have phone calls and emails.

Your grandkids would have a great time helping do a shorty skit and helping write the dialog. It would be a hysterical family reunion tradition that could be changed to fit any theme.

When I was Cub Master about 15 years ago, I did a “Shorty Cub Scout” version. Tanda has been the arms once or twice. Now that I’m a Cub Master again, I get to do it more now. I even taught my cub scouts how to do the skit.

I’ve wanted to do a Mr. & Mrs. Claus version for a long time. I wanted Tanda to be Mrs. Claus beside me — kind of a duet — an Abbot and Costello gig. But she wouldn’t. I tried several tactics to persuade her, to coax, sweet-talk, connive, bribe, scheme and I don’t know what all! But no doin’, she just wouldn’t get up on that stage with me. Any of you wives have suggestion for next year when I try again? LOL.

By the way, if you’re wondering about the beard: I didn’t plan to grow one, I just forgot to shave that day! (Yeah right). Really though, my beard did look kinda dark. Actually, it was “calico” as my daughter calls it, lots of colors from white to dark brown. So I put some baby powder on it for the skit, but it wasn’t enough. Grammy Tanda had suggested Desitin diaper rash cream, but I was afraid it wouldn’t come out easily. LOL. Any ideas for next time?

@Milissa – Thanks for letting me know about the free movie maker for windows.

@Grandma Henke – I had learned this skit when I was 19, on a mission in Alberta, Canada. I used to do a “Shorty Missionary” with my companion.

Our boys did this little feller for years and years all over town as they grow up and then again when they got off their missions. He was a very popular guy! Christmas traditions are so much fun!

martha