Christmas Countdown
Last night we had an amazing evening at the Lake Compounce holiday festival. Some of the kid rides were running and the park was decorated with magical, sparkling lights. Lots of fun. Plus super bonus--free thanks to some amazing friends and season pass holders.
G went on ride after ride. E even got in on the rides--her first trip on the caterpillar train, leading as conductor of course--and she fell in love with the balloons (think Tilt-o-Whirl that lifts up high). Both kids had a blast at the music jamboree and story telling. Today, in his journal at school, G wrote about how he got to lead the parade--he was so proud.
We went on rides, had Mac and cheese and chili (surprisingly good), got a train ride by the lake to see more lights, and then rode the carousel. It was on the carousel that I told G we'd get to see Santa next.
He had a total "A Christmas Story" moment, blanking and agreeing to a football. He froze, right there in the carousel. "But I don't know what to ask for! I'm not sure yet! Um um, horses, yeah, toy horses!" What up captain suggestible there on the carousel?? I told him it was ok to tell Santa he was still thinking about it. But he was clearly not sure if that would work. "Could Buddy [his elf on the shelf] tell him? Wait, no, that's not his job." I can do see Buddy throwing up his felt arms and shouting, THIS IS NOT IN MY JOB DESCRIPTION! He continued to worry a bit as we waited in line. Then Santa went on break and the other kids seemed to be about done, so I said if he didn't want to wait we could write Santa a letter. And if we headed out now nicely, we could probably even stop for a sugar cookie. Sold.
This afternoon at pickup he was ready. "Dear Santa Claus, I would like a shark from Ikea. Love, Guthrie" Melt.
G went on ride after ride. E even got in on the rides--her first trip on the caterpillar train, leading as conductor of course--and she fell in love with the balloons (think Tilt-o-Whirl that lifts up high). Both kids had a blast at the music jamboree and story telling. Today, in his journal at school, G wrote about how he got to lead the parade--he was so proud.
We went on rides, had Mac and cheese and chili (surprisingly good), got a train ride by the lake to see more lights, and then rode the carousel. It was on the carousel that I told G we'd get to see Santa next.
He had a total "A Christmas Story" moment, blanking and agreeing to a football. He froze, right there in the carousel. "But I don't know what to ask for! I'm not sure yet! Um um, horses, yeah, toy horses!" What up captain suggestible there on the carousel?? I told him it was ok to tell Santa he was still thinking about it. But he was clearly not sure if that would work. "Could Buddy [his elf on the shelf] tell him? Wait, no, that's not his job." I can do see Buddy throwing up his felt arms and shouting, THIS IS NOT IN MY JOB DESCRIPTION! He continued to worry a bit as we waited in line. Then Santa went on break and the other kids seemed to be about done, so I said if he didn't want to wait we could write Santa a letter. And if we headed out now nicely, we could probably even stop for a sugar cookie. Sold.
This afternoon at pickup he was ready. "Dear Santa Claus, I would like a shark from Ikea. Love, Guthrie" Melt.