Sometimes it helps to go out into public with the Kiddo. In line waiting for her to sit on Santa's lap was a vivid reminder that really she's a pretty good kid. Well, temper tantrums aside she CAN be a really good kid!

I watched a couple kids tearing the leaves off poinsettia plants and tossing them into the "snow" that surrounds Santa's gingerbread house. She touched them, I told her to stop and she did. She didn't get back in line but not one leaf was destroyed by her.

The line was long and hard for her to remain still in. As she wanders my son watches and lets her go as long as he can see her and as long as she returns. I, on the other hand, can't run if she gets the desire to take off so I have to keep her with me. Because of him she got to wander and look at all the decorations which was actually good.

My son and I debated which picture package to get and since I am not inclined to feel a need to buy the next up package to make sure the Kiddo's mother has a picture, then he made a deal. He'll get the pictures and I'll get Starbucks. DEAL!!

Of course Starbucks meant a Happy Meal too. But, eh.. all in all it was fun. She got to sit on Santa's lap and tell him she wanted a Game Boy. This is of course, the first anyone has heard of this so there is no Game Boy coming! While her dad and I made the purchase of pictures Santa waited and he actually took the time to talk to her, and throw in the appropriate and always jovial "Ho, Ho, Ho's." He explained the virtue of continuing to be good in school. My cough was a real one, I swear!!

She was dressed up and wearing the "tap" shoes her other grandmother gave her. Then, her other grandmother wanted her back to take her to see her dad.. Kiddo's great grandfather. I let her go in the clothes and HOPE I get them back. Then I heard that she is keeping the kiddo over night!

BINGO!! Just what I needed! ... I have a doctor's appointment in an hour and a half. In this free time I've managed to get alot of the gifts wrapped. There are a few in my trunk that I still have to get but I figured I'd best stop so I could have a cup of coffee before I shower and go.

Be well all and I hope you are close to ... Ready!