Tis the Season

Last night we went to one of our "open air" malls for the Christmas tree lighting. I was so bummed that I didn't have my camera! We ate dinner outside (a tad chilly) but the kids loved it. There were tons of people to watch and great music to listen to while we ate. The mall hired a band, snow blowing machines and some balloon artists (the ones who make animals, etc). Owen wanted a balloon and since they were free we stood in line. Little did I know we would be in line for almost an hour. I didn't even know Owen could stand still that long. He really wanted a balloon! It kind of reminded me of "The Christmas Story" when Ralphie stands in line for Santa Claus. Fortunately, we could still see the tree lighting and hear the band while we waited. The balloon guy was totally amazing. True works of art. He created anything the kids wanted. Tow Mater, Lightening McQueen, space alien, Thomas the train, penguins, monkeys and he even sprayed the balloon flowers with fragrance! Mason got a fishing pole with a fish hanging from it. Owen wanted a monkey on a stick and then at the last minute asked for a Jedi Light Saber (a boy in front of us got one). So in the end we waited forever for one of the most simplest balloon sculptures ever. But he was so happy!