Saved by Santa
There is always some point in parenthood you think well into a decision, Oh shit. We all took a jaunt down to Navy Pier last weekend to see the Winter Wonderland and Santa Claus.
Two years ago we made this trek and had a great time. But now, Avery is two years old and she is loving the lights, festival and wonder of the holiday season. The bouncy areas, ice skating, train ride were all fantastic and Avery was burning down as time continued. After about 3 hours, Andi was ready to take Avery to get the Frosty at Build-a-Bear workshop.
Build-a-bear was packed and also uncomfortably close to Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Frosty (Avery's favorite snowman of all time) was stuffed, given a heart, stitched and clothed. So while Andi was fighting and elbowing the other parents and kids inside, my mission was to watch for the jolly fat guy in a red suit. About the time Andi and Avery exited the store, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived for the costly photo opportunities.
While in line, Andi made friends with the woman with 4 kids in front of her and the woman with a single boy behind her. My wife is very social and somehow can make entire groups of strangers discuss their innermost secrets in the middle of a rock concert. Somehow I was commandeered to take photo of the kids in front of Andi and Avery. We had the digital camera so that was really no big deal. As I managed to rip money out of the hands of the photo Santa group, the lady behind Andi mentioned that her 6 year old boy just last year stopped screaming at the top of his lungs when he was around Santa.
According to my wife, a wave of fear ran over her because she had been waiting in line for 40 minutes and had not considered the fact that Avery could be scared of Santa. In her best psycological maneuvering, she coached Avery that Dora Talking Kitchen is the gift she wanted from Santa. Andi and Avery had met with the totally whacked out Elves with WAY too much sugar in their system and when Avery laid eyes on the big man with the white beard, Andi had to hold her back.
The hyperactive elf said Santa was ready to see Avery and it was like the release of the horses at the Kentucky Derby... AND THEIR OFF! She runs to the steps and as fast as she can climbs them and grabs Santa around the neck and with all of her might hugs him. With the timing of the Mormon Tablenacle, a giant "awwwwww" came from all around Santa. I was so proud. She then hopped on his lap, asked for Dora's Talking Kitchen, sat for the picture (with a smile), and Mrs Claus walked her down to a VERY proud Andi. Mrs Claus exclaimed, "We are even dressed alike." We paid the 20 bucks for the photo package and walked back toward the car.
Avery promptly fell asleep. Overall, this was the best day we could have had.
I sure hope that she enjoys Christmas, Santa, and Frosty next year.
Two years ago we made this trek and had a great time. But now, Avery is two years old and she is loving the lights, festival and wonder of the holiday season. The bouncy areas, ice skating, train ride were all fantastic and Avery was burning down as time continued. After about 3 hours, Andi was ready to take Avery to get the Frosty at Build-a-Bear workshop.Build-a-bear was packed and also uncomfortably close to Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Frosty (Avery's favorite snowman of all time) was stuffed, given a heart, stitched and clothed. So while Andi was fighting and elbowing the other parents and kids inside, my mission was to watch for the jolly fat guy in a red suit. About the time Andi and Avery exited the store, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived for the costly photo opportunities.
While in line, Andi made friends with the woman with 4 kids in front of her and the woman with a single boy behind her. My wife is very social and somehow can make entire groups of strangers discuss their innermost secrets in the middle of a rock concert. Somehow I was commandeered to take photo of the kids in front of Andi and Avery. We had the digital camera so that was really no big deal. As I managed to rip money out of the hands of the photo Santa group, the lady behind Andi mentioned that her 6 year old boy just last year stopped screaming at the top of his lungs when he was around Santa.
According to my wife, a wave of fear ran over her because she had been waiting in line for 40 minutes and had not considered the fact that Avery could be scared of Santa. In her best psycological maneuvering, she coached Avery that Dora Talking Kitchen is the gift she wanted from Santa. Andi and Avery had met with the totally whacked out Elves with WAY too much sugar in their system and when Avery laid eyes on the big man with the white beard, Andi had to hold her back.
The hyperactive elf said Santa was ready to see Avery and it was like the release of the horses at the Kentucky Derby... AND THEIR OFF! She runs to the steps and as fast as she can climbs them and grabs Santa around the neck and with all of her might hugs him. With the timing of the Mormon Tablenacle, a giant "awwwwww" came from all around Santa. I was so proud. She then hopped on his lap, asked for Dora's Talking Kitchen, sat for the picture (with a smile), and Mrs Claus walked her down to a VERY proud Andi. Mrs Claus exclaimed, "We are even dressed alike." We paid the 20 bucks for the photo package and walked back toward the car.
Avery promptly fell asleep. Overall, this was the best day we could have had.
I sure hope that she enjoys Christmas, Santa, and Frosty next year.
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