Saturday, January 2, 2010

What made me think it was a good idea......

I took the kids all the way to Lake Rudolph tonight to see the lights. Better late than never, I thought. However, never might have been better.
I thought I had everything covered. The baby took a nice long afternoon nap. I packed some trains and the leapster to keep Trey occupied in the car. I knew it would be a long drive but didn't know exactly how long it would take. My mother in law went along for reinforcements. We drove through Jasper and stopped there at Fazolis for supper. I thought this would break up the drive enough that Trey wouldn't get too bored.
At the counter, I asked Trey what he wanted to eat. Ravioli. Okay, why not? (you see, Trey is very picky and doesn't often try new foods and ravioli isn't one of his standard meals, so I was surprised at his choice.) I ordered it for him anyway. (with marinara sauce) (because he doesn't eat meat....and yes, he really does belong to Rex and I) Trey was excited to get to hold the buzzer/pager. We found a table and all was well. (or so I thought) When I brought the food to the table, Trey went in to full melt down status. It took at least a full minute of panic (and people staring) to get him to tell me what was wrong. The problem you ask.......he wanted his ravioli plain. I assured him there was no meat in the sauce but he was still unable to eat it. In fact, he could not even have it sit close to him.
Oh well. I decided to feed it to Kayelynn. She is like a little garbage disposal and rarely turns down trying something new. But then again, we are out in public, trying to have a nice family outing.....she wouldn't eat it. Not even one bite! Trying to get her to try a bite led to screaming, growling and flailing of arms (this was all Kayelynn, not me).
In the mean time, Trey is trying to talk to me. It went something like this.....
"mom....mommy....mom.......mommmmmmy"
"what trey?"
Silence.
I began trying to feed Kayelynn again.
"Mom.....Mom......Mom.......Moooooooom"
"what is it Trey?"
Trey looks away.
I begin trying to feed Kayelynn again.
Silence. (except for Kayelynn fussing)
"mom.....mommy....Mom....Mommy.....MOM!!!!!!"
"WHAT!?!?!"
"I'm not hungry"
I gave up trying to feed Kayelynn and decided to feed myself. That's when the chair routine started. Are you familiar with that? It starts with squirming. Then there's the feet on the chair, elbows on the table, then there's the feet on the chair, elbows on the table, butt in the air. This continues, up, down, up, down. There are some threats involved. Then there is the sly slinking out of the chair, the walking around the chair while trying not to actually let go of it (there by not actually getting out of it) This is mind blowing and totally ruins the appetite. At the same time the MIL is trying to give Baby sips of her coke.
I surrendered and went to get a to go box.
Okay. We're back in the car after only minimal problems (trey thought he needed to stomp every iced puddle in the parking lot)( It was 19 degrees outside and Trey couldn't understand why I wanted him to hurry to the car.)
Kayelynn is usually a very good car rider. (just like she's usually a good eater.....)
She fussed and cried all the way from Jasper to Santa Claus! Half way there I thought I heard little snores. I checked my mirror. Sure enough, Trey was slumped over in his car seat, sawing logs. At this point, the MIL decides maybe we should just turn around and go home. We are only 15 minutes from our destination. It is January 2nd. Christmas is long over. But, by golly, we are going to see those darn lights that everyone had been raving about!
We arrive at the park and I stop to wake Trey up. He squeals and tries to look away from me. I decide to let it go. If he misses the lights, he misses the lights. Kayelynn had at least quieted down. I tuned my radio to the station I had written down off of the internet. There was supposed to be something on the radio to correspond with the light show. (Nope, that didn't work, just news) I stopped at the ticket booth and paid my admission. I asked the girl at the booth about the radio. She gave me a different station to try and said there would be some christmas music on. I don't think there was, all I ever heard was static. Okay, we don't need music. The lights really were pretty by themselves. And as we crept down the lighted path I snuck a glance to the back seat. Trey was looking out his window. I could see the reflection of the lights shining in his eyes. Before long, Trey was pointing to the lights, telling stories about what was going on, and really enjoying himself.
Finally, a real smile crossed my lips too. I sighed, feeling content.
But, that was short lived. (Remember the drive home was very long and there was no Fazolis stop to save us) There was hitting, pouting, whining, crying, sassing, fussing.....(you get the picture)
Finally we are home. The kids are in bed and I am curled up here on the couch. I'm still not sure what made me think that trip was a good idea. I guess it had something to do with what Trey said when I put him to bed. He wrapped his little arms around me and said "Ohhhh...I love you so much." I kissed him and tucked him in. "Those lights were pretty Mommy. Can we go back there tomorrow?" I am such a sucker for him. (but we're not going back tomorrow!)

1 comment:

Marcy Weyer said...

Love it, love it. Next time, call me and use my house as a pit stop or just stop by for a visit. Soooo excited to see a blog again! Made my night last night.

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