Let’s visit Santa Clause

November 29, 2008 by brwilson · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Family, Kids Toys 

I took the girls today to see Santa. Thinking that there would be a crowd I opted to get to the store 30 minutes before Santa arrived and secure a good place in line. I was actually fairly pleased when I arrived and found that we would be the first ones there.

Never let it be said that Walmart does not know how to market! In the covered area adjacent to their seasonal garden department, in the area that would normally house riding lawnmowers, barbecues, patio furniture etc. , they had built a open faced room. This lean to was painted the appropriate red and they had decorated the inside with enough Christmas decorations to make it fairly believable. Well... to a 3 or 4 year old anyway. They had the folks from the camera department set up outside to take photo's for you of the memorable occasion. They also had the foresight to completely surround the entire area with kids bicycles and other high end toys including the electric battery powered ride on cars, trucks, SUV's etc. Good strategy.

Our 5 year old who for days has been talking about asking Santa for a doll house and dolls stood in awe at the sea of childrens toys. When asked by Santa what she wanted, all she could manage to do way point at the visual paradise that had been built just for her pleasure. Thank goodness, all the 2 year old wanted was a balloon.


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A Good Thanksgiving

November 28, 2008 by brwilson · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Family 

Thanksgiving 2008 was a good day. I was worried this year. We live 1200 miles away from the nearest family and this year with Tanesha at basic training, we had all the makings of a really sad day. Holidays have always been a little tough with family so far away. We have managed a few times to travel to SD to visit but unfortunately we don't get that opportunity often. Tammy did spend some time on the phone talking to her brothers, sisters and parents. Rosa and Mercedes are still too young to understand anything other than they had a lot of food available to eat.

The highlight of the day was the call from Tanesha. We didn't know if she would get to make a call being in basic. I have to smile at something I have noticed over the last few calls. This is a child who fought with her mother furiously over the last few years. She couldn't finish a sentance to her mom without some kind of sarcasm,absolutely refused to keep her room cleaned or pick up after herself around the house.  For the last 6 months prior to her leaving for basic I would hear almost daily from Tammy how it was time for "her" to go.  This child who only a few months ago I was convinced was not going to live to see her 19th birthday calls home and starts the conversation with Hi mommy I miss you.  I think there is hope for these two female combatants.

Tomorrow we start a new chapter with the youngest girls. They get to go see Santa at Walmart. I figure the 5 yr old will be excited. I expect the 2 yr old to scream at the old fat man in the bright red suit. I'll let you know.


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