The town of Smyrna held the 31st annual holiday parade yesterday afternoon. Since the Titans were being demolished by the Colts and, more importantly, Gracelyn was going to be in the parade, I headed out to the middle of downtown to camp out and watch the parade.
Why is it that when it comes to these things, I always think I'll be the only one with this idea?
The parade was nice, though the weather was a bit on the chilly side. Interestingly, enough as I watched the parade, three cars came by with Titans cheerleaders in them. Apparently they've given up on the season as well since they weren't with the team in Indy trying to help get the Titans to a win.
So, after seeing Gracelyn in the parade, we packed it up and headed toward warmer climates--such as indoors. And being thankful for the modern revolution that is central heat.
Later that evening, I journeyed over to Gracelyn and Davis's house for some babysitting time. I was told that due to the excitement of the parade, no one took naps that afternoon, which is usually a danger signal. I love my niece and nephew, but sometimes when they get tired they get a bit cranky. For the most part, they didn't do all that bad, though they were starting to fade fast as bed time rolled around (Uncle Michael actually put them to bed early since he could tell they were getting tired).
During the evening, Gracelyn kept talking about how Santa was watching her. I told her I'd seen Santa at the Smyrna flea market the day before.
"Did you talk to him?" she asked.
I said I had.
"Did he ask about me?" she asked.
I said we talked about her.
She looked at me, concerned. "Am I on the naughty list?" she asked.
I assured her that I told Santa she'd been a good girl this year, which seemed to relieve her mind for the moment. At random times she'd bring up the naughty list and if she was on it for reassurance as the evening progressed. It was amusing that while she was going through her usual routine of crying and protesting bed time, in the middle of her tears and "I don't wanna go to bed!" she said, "Am I gonna be on the naughty list now?!?"
It's hard to be the authority figure when you're about to crack up.
But, it's turned out to be a dual-edged sword for her parents. Earlier in the evening, Gracelyn and I were talking about the
Wizard of Oz, which she hasn't seen yet (she's going on four so she's got time). And I asked her if she'd like the movie for her birthday or Christmas. She told me she was getting a princess movie. I asked which one.
"
Cinderella," she said.
"Do Mommy and Daddy know you want it?" I asked.
She shook her head.
"Have you told them?" I asked.
She shook her head.
"Well, how can we get it for you if you don't tell them?" I asked.
She smiled. "Silly. I'm getting it from Santa. He knows I want it. I don't have to tell Mommy and Daddy, cause Santa knows."
Again, I had to not giggle at this point. I did ask my sister later if she knew of this desire for Cinderella from Santa and it came as a complete shock to her. I then lamented that had I known, I'd've stopped and helped Santa get it the day after Thanksgiving when it was on a big sale at several stores. (I love being an elf).
Santa Claus---he's a double-edged sword, I tell you.
posted by Michael Hickerson at 12/05/2005 10:09:00 AM |
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