PawPaw and Uncle David arrived yesterday, and there were two little girls at my house who were none too excited about having to go to school this morning. They sucked it up, however, and climbed onto the bus bright and early this morning. To ease the ache just a bit, I picked them up a little early this afternoon. School didn't seem all that awful when I got there. Sophia's class was in the middle of a Christmas party with a very strong sugar-theme, and all of the kids in Emma's class were seated in the floor, eating popcorn and watching Ice Age on a big screen at the front of the classroom. Emma's teacher suggested that this animated feature somehow tied into their science unit on prehistoric creatures, but I didn't require an explanation. I used to be a teacher myself and know that on the last day of school before Christmas vacation, we teachers are allowed to use any means necessary to keep the peace.
Lili made herself right at home in Emma's classroom. She helped herself to a cup of popcorn and found a spot on the floor that offered a nice view of the screen. She was completely content during the ten minutes it took Emma to gather up all of her essential bits and papers and fashion accessories. It almost got ugly when it was time to get Lili out of there. I was afraid I might have to make a trail of M&m's for her to follow, but somehow we managed to get everyone out the door without any major hissy fits.
Sneaking out of school half an hour early on the last day makes vacation seem just a little bit more fun. To add to the excitement, we gathered everyone into vehicle and made our way to the Santa House in downtown Midland. There was a bit of a queue and a bit of Christmas grouching, but we were there in time to make it in before Santa took his break for milk and cookies. Lili, however, fell asleep while we were in line, and we knew Santa wouldn't have a chance with her at that point. My brother in law helped out by taking a photo which shows what we all really look like before we get ourselves together and say, "Cheese!"
And to be clear, Lili wanted absolutely nothing to do with that Santa Claus. The rest of us thought he was quite wonderful. When Sophia told him that she wanted make-up for Christmas, he told her she was much too pretty without it. Good man, Santa!
Lili made herself right at home in Emma's classroom. She helped herself to a cup of popcorn and found a spot on the floor that offered a nice view of the screen. She was completely content during the ten minutes it took Emma to gather up all of her essential bits and papers and fashion accessories. It almost got ugly when it was time to get Lili out of there. I was afraid I might have to make a trail of M&m's for her to follow, but somehow we managed to get everyone out the door without any major hissy fits.
Sneaking out of school half an hour early on the last day makes vacation seem just a little bit more fun. To add to the excitement, we gathered everyone into vehicle and made our way to the Santa House in downtown Midland. There was a bit of a queue and a bit of Christmas grouching, but we were there in time to make it in before Santa took his break for milk and cookies. Lili, however, fell asleep while we were in line, and we knew Santa wouldn't have a chance with her at that point. My brother in law helped out by taking a photo which shows what we all really look like before we get ourselves together and say, "Cheese!"
And here is the whole motley crew with Santa's sleigh. Pawpaw is wearing his traditional jovial smile...
And to be clear, Lili wanted absolutely nothing to do with that Santa Claus. The rest of us thought he was quite wonderful. When Sophia told him that she wanted make-up for Christmas, he told her she was much too pretty without it. Good man, Santa!
"NO LIKE Santa Claus!!"
Best of all two brothers were able to re-live a childhood memory, and Santa happily indulged...
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