~Touch it!~

Lately, Kenzie and I have been fairly routine about going for a jog each night. Kenzie in the jog stroller, with a cup of drink and a bowl of popcorn (largely for throwing off the side of the stroller) -- from head to toe in winter clothing and tucked in with a blanket. Good grief, we are going to freeze solid in Kansas for Christmas -- it's still 70 degrees here... 60 at worst. Shiver.


Anyway, we wait until dark as the Christmas lights are a big incentive. We've made a lot of friends along our little route: Shnowman Claus, Shanta, Papa & baby bears, and a whole lot of reindeer. There are three Santas that haven't fully inflated and are lying on their sides. The first night - I explained to a rather concerned Kenzie that he was tired. Now, each night she says "night, night, Shanta" as we trot by.

There are a few over-the-top decorators and of course we like those best. We stop and talk about what's going on with some of the scenes (nice for catching breath, since Kenzie is out of shape :). During one of the breaks - Kenzie discovered motorized reindeer that move like they are nibbling on grass and then looking up. At a certain point she can gently touch them on the antler - if she stretches just hard enough and I park the stroller on the very edge of the walk. As part of the routine now, she chants "Touch it..touch it...touch it...." anytime there is a reindeer in view. Sorry kid - half of them are on the rooftops..&..I tell her she can touch the ones by our house. She patiently waits, getting more and more excited as we turn each corner.

And tonight, half of the yard was dark - including reindeer land. Instead...we fondled this snowman. And Kenzie patted him so gently and smiled alternately at him and then back at me. My heart burst in a bazillion little pieces. That smile was just so sweet.

P.S. Happy Birthday Annie!!! Even though I don't think you visit here - I would have felt bad not making note of it. Hope it was an extra special day and you enjoyed dinner with my handsome hubby!