One More Thing Off the "Must Do Before Christmas" List

Tonight I decided to take Molly and Abby to see the approximately 3 million lights at James Island County Park. They are a sight to see. It is a 3 mile drive through "SeaLand", "CandyLand", colored arch ways, etc. Quite a sight to see. I look forward to it in a love/hate sort of way each year. You see, it's about a 40 minute drive from our house down a very scenic, very beautiful, very deer prone two lane highway that leads to Charleston. Sure there are other ways to get there, but they just take longer, really. 

Once in the park I let Abby and Molly out of their car seats and allowed them to climb up front with me for the 5 mile per hour drive through the park. Abby always wants to get out when we get there. There is a gift shop, a place to make smores, a carousel, a rock climbing wall, sand sculptures, etc. etc. etc. However, it is usually freezing when I manage to get us there and tonight, with my almost 3 year old, I knew I would spend more time trying to keep my hands on her that it would not end up being much fun for any of us. Once Abby realized I wasn't pulling into the parking lot she went into melt down mode. I really felt the guilt (as usual, I am the easiest person to lay a guilt trip on). So I compromised and told her I would drive us around the park an extra time. UGH. However this seemed to make her pretty happy so around we went again. The girls really seemed to have a good time, even goofing off with the sunglasses since the lights were "so bright"!

After our second time around we made a special trip to McDonald's. This way they could eat on the way home and not focus on the long ride (how did I manage to forget to bring the Nintendo DS??). This was a big hit, indeed. By the time we made it back to the house they were sound asleep on their pillows within about 30 minutes.


And just like that another "must do before Christmas" is checked off my list. Whew.