Monday, December 6, 2004

CHRISTMAS STORY-ESQUE

Our first weekend in Newport! So much to do, so much to see, so many places to go! On the trip last weekend I noticed that a "Luminous Lighting & Holiday Walk" was to take place at the Newport Levee. I thought it would be a nice event to attend and take my step daughter B. while Zorro worked. We studied the local event tabloid which promised the following. "The annual City of Newport Santa parade......."

When the time approached, we bundled up and headed towards the Levee. Small white bags lined the street, weighed down with sand and anchored with white candles. We wandered all around, sneaking into the candy shop and buying a bag of carmels and chocolate covered jellies (yuck! I hate them from the box but oh I love them fresh!) and sharing a secret together from Zorro who refers to us as "Chunky Monkeys".

The candles were lit and we shared a good chuckle as one of the bags erupted into flames and burned brightly for several moments. We walked up and down the street.....confused. Where were the crowds that usually accompany a parade? Certainly we were in the right spot! The candles blazing were a dead give away.

We took a seat right on a wall in front of the Levee and waited. And waited. And waited. B. Stood up and squinted into the street that sloped upward before landing infront of us. "I see police cars!" she excitedly exclaimed! And in a few moments, so did I. They roared down the main drag and stopped the traffic in front of us. The parade must be coming!

Wait....What is that? A horse drawn carriage. Clip clop clip clop clip clop. It turned infront of us, the driver wearing a Santa hat and sitting in the seat behind him.....not even waving at the handful of people .......... its SANTA!

We followed him to the bottom of the steps where he twice said thank-you to the driver and then proceeded to give out a few candy canes to the children who were struck dumb by the climatic arrival.

B. and I hurriedly ran back to the street thinking there must be a parade following.........nothing. We hesitantly returned to Santa and waited for the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Everybody, all together now. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! Hurray!!!! Oops...Nothing. Then about ten seconds later..The tree lit up!

B. turns to me and in all her nine year old innocence says, "This is the lamest thing I have ever seen."

Ho ho ho.



10 comments:

Anonymous said...

At least you got some good candy. xoox

Anonymous said...

Are you moved already?  Have I missed something?  Funny about about her comment!  Sometimes the fantasy is much better than the reality!  JAE

Anonymous said...

still laughing... sorry.   I think is going to be one of those stories the kids will re-tell as a fond memory.  No, I really do.  lol  ~Sie

Anonymous said...

Mary, YOu are soooo funny. I couldn't have said it better myself. Lame, lame, lame!!   Anne

Anonymous said...

Lame is right...lol..

E

Anonymous said...

Lovely tree pic. But yes that sounded lame as any I could think of. Lori

Anonymous said...

Very cute story!!!!!!!!!!!!! Out of the mouths of babes.

Anonymous said...

I remember going to a tree lighting ceremony with my son several years ago,  we had a very close experience and the response from my son was the very same as your son.  We never went back the following years.

Monica
http://journals.aol.com/sonensmilinmon/SmilinMonsAdventures/

Anonymous said...

If a nine-year-old thinks it's lame, I guess it has really gotten the thumbs-down!  Sounds like the burning bag was the highlight...  Lisa  :-]

Anonymous said...

your entry today tickles me.  I love when children are so blunt and honest.  Only as adults are they so corrupted that they lose some of that!  However, I am still laughing.  You had a great set-up for a BIG let-down.  Thanks for the laugh this morning!  Cya, Kris.  BTW  Have you then moved already?