Day Four Interview

Day Three Interview

Day Two Interview

Day One Interview

December 23/4, 2011

December 23, 2011 marked one l-o-n-g day at school.  The students were wired, and the teachers tired.  After the 3:00pm bell, I raced home, to begin the journey HOME.  We had packed the car with treats, and gifts, and snacks, and movies, and wine (not for the drive, of course, but for the arrival).  We would be at the farm for one full day (and two short sleeps).

 Christmas Eve Morning began with Grampy's infamous pancakes.

This mouse was the first clue that something big was about to happen.

The card - clue number two.  We had not told Bennett and Harper that we would be going to Disney World.  Grammy prepared special gift bags for each one, with Mickey inspired gifts; travel games, Mickey/Minnie shirts, a ticket to Disney World.  We all waited expectantly for the reveal.  Let's just say it was rather underwhelming.  There were no tears, shouts of joy, or boggled disbelieving eyes.  The 5 year old's response, "Oh, cool.  What else is in the bag?"  It took some convincing, and several YouTube videos to help Bennett wrap his brain around the idea of the trip.

The rest of the day was spent with the Great Ones.  They love those little kids, and while they move slower than they used to, the sparkle in their eyes never dulls when Bennett and Harper walk into the room.

Per Family Tradition, Christmas Eve Eve was spent at the farm, with gifts and holiday cheer. We actually did deviate from tradition, our holiday meal was nachos, wine and pie.  Talk about embracing change!

 We left a snack and note for Santa, who of course, responded in his block letter script.

The very next morning, we woke early, unwrapped Santa gifts, and packed up the car for the journey back home.  Unpacking and repacking began as soon as we arrived in Sartell.  Christmas Day consisted of wine and fish sticks.

Let the magic begin.

The Chopper

While Bennett's favorite gift thus far is his science kit, AP's has a new favorite toy, as well.  Andy's big sister takes home the prize, for the remote controlled helicopter she gave her littlest brother.

 Several nights, this is how I have found the boy and his dad.  They focus so directly on keeping that chopper from crashing.  When it does crash (and it usually does) they laugh, and talk about the details of the crash, then discuss how to operate the vehicle in a successful manner.  I have thought about reminding Andy that the boy is 5 YEARS OLD, and does not have much experience with toys of this caliber, then Bennett gives a detailed suggestion, that usually results in another, bigger and better crash.  And the process begins again...  It's rather comical.  I'm pretty sure - if Harper could stay awake past 6pm - we would roll our eyes at those boys.

Freddie

The Prose Family has an elf.  His name is Freddie.  Freddie arrived right after Thanksgiving.  Freddie is a scout elf, sent via the Claus.  It is his job to keep an eye on the kids of 1407.

There are a few rules with Freddie.  You can not touch the elf.  If you do, you will take away some of his magic.  You can talk to Freddie, but he can not talk to you.  It is his job to listen, and listen only.  Freddie flies home to the North Pole each night, to report your behavior to Santa.  He returns each morning, and you need to locate him.

Freddie is quite the prankster. 

Freddie caught a ride home with Santa on Christmas Eve.  He left a gift for Bennett and Harps, and will return next season.