Santa Claus Parade

So we were supposed to have a sleepover at Chelsey's yesterday but she had a bad cold so we visited Molly and MacGregor instead. Declan had a great time. They have a tone of toys and Declan wouldn't leave them alone for anything. Not even dinner. After many tears Nancy have Declan two Legos to play with at the table. He stopped crying. Still didn't eat dinner. When he finally went to bed an hour after bedtime he took two of MacGregors toys figures with him.

In the morning he still had them in his hands and the first thing he wanted to do was go upstairs and keep playing with their toys. Thankfully he was excited about Monkeynastix and the Santa Claus Parade so we were able to pull him away.

Monkeynastix was great this morning. He pays attention and can follow the teachers lead. He was able to balance the monkey on his head and would run on the spot while I gave him a five count. They kids even got to play with a parachute today. Declan was squealing and giggle so loud in excitement.

Once it came time for the Santa Parade Declan was well behaved. 

Sat in his stroller for the first time in nearly a year. Now he didn't want to wear his mitts (he couldn't hold onto monkey with his mitts on). I had to strategically find little opportunities to hold his hands to keep them warm. Early on in the parade someone from CHCH walked over and handed Declan a giant shortbread cookie with a thick layer of chocolate on it. Of course he wanted to eat it. He spent half the parade knawing on it. 

When the first marching band came byword their kilts and bagpipes Declan asked "is that Christmas Mommy? Look it's Christmas." He was amazed. His other favourite moments:

He saw Elmo. Then he saw Cookie Monster. Now Elmo didn't come too close but Cookie Monster came right over and put his hand out. Declan was a little timid so the handshake didn't happen but Declan's eyes were aglow. He just loved it.

There was a pirate ship. Real live pirates and a big ship with a canon. He just loves pirates-this was a hit!

I've never seen a Kermit the Frog so big. The size of a house. Declan's eyes bugged out when he saw him. Probably my favourite reaction from him today.

There were cheerleaders from Queens University. They stopped right in front of us and formed a three person tall pyramid. When the girl got to the top and stood up Declan yelled "Ta-Dah!!" Them she fell backward into the arms of her teammates. He was impressed.

And finally Santa Claus. He saw him. He just starred. I think it's so cool how interested in Santa he is already.

Soon as Santa came by we spin the stiller around and took off. Poor Declan started crying. I stopped the stroller and leaned down. I just had to explain that Santa was the end of the parade and he wasn't missing anything. Poor little guy. Guys we didn't fill him in on how that all wraps up.

And with the parade Declan didn't get his usually 2 1/2 hour nap. He was great though and was exhausted so in bed a half hour early and asleep almost instantly. What a great day!