I was asked to take a photo for tomorrow’s Kitsap Sun at the Family Christmas Eve Service for toddlers and very young children at Adventure of Faith church in South Kitsap.

This was the first year the church had tried such a service. Children were asked to choose a simple costume – shepherd, angel or wise man. And they were invited up onstage at different points in the service.

“It’s an opportunity for families with young children to celebrate a Christmas Eve service they can be a part of,” said Don Dilley, director of music and worship.

Now, there’s my idea of going to church … wander around wherever you want and just let it all hang out.

I didn’t get this little girl’s name, but she was the life of the party … one of several animated toddlers who welcomed Baby Jesus in their own way.

Or as Pastor John Foreman said, “All our children, no matter what costume they wear, are angels.”

However you like to celebrate the holiday, I hope I all goes well for you and your family. Merry Christmas to all, from Peninsular Thinking.

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Well now, ya can’t beat this deal. For the fourth year in a row, Darryl Baldwin and the staff of MoonDogs Too will host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for $1. Baldwin and his staff have put on the spread – cooked on site and featuring local meats, produce and breads – since 2007.

Proceeds go to South Kitsap Helpline, and yes, you can give more than $1 if you’re so moved. In fact, please do. Last year, MoonDogs raised more than $1,500 and collected more than 500 pounds of nonperishable food. (Due to Helpline’s move to the Port Orchard Nursery property, they can’t accept clothing this year.)

MoonDogs will be collecting donations for Helpline through Dec. 31.

In 2009, the dinner drew 350 guests. Baldwin is expecting 450 this year. “Every year we’ve doubled,” he said.

As we reported in 2009, volunteers from the community help make the buffet dinner a success. Baldwin has enough helpers for Thanksgiving, but he’s still recruiting volunteers for an encore Christmas dinner.

Oh, and if you need a ride to MoonDogs, just give the restaurant a jingle before the day of the dinner, and they’re make arrangements.

Thanksgiving dinner is 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at MoonDogs, Too, 714 Bay St., Port Orchard; (360) 895) 2300.

Chris Henry, reporter

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