A purple lion, a tree and a train

Saturday was a day of fun. I decided to ask my Grandsons to come help me select a Christmas tree. They are almost 2 and 3 years of age, very active and not totally civilized yet. It should be fun.

We met at the local IHOP for breakfast. It's not my favorite eatery, but for kids its perfect. This day it was especially fun, because Cody spied a balloon guy who made us a lion and a motorcycle.

Cody got to pick the lion as his choice, but when it was done, he said "Here baby" and passed the lion to his brother. It seemed like an act of graciousness, but in reality I think he wanted another choice!



After breakfast we drove over to Arapahoe Acres to pick out a tree. We go there every year because they have the nicest trees and the most helpful people. Cody held my as we walked through the nursery. It was really cold, but that didn't seem to bother him.

We surveyed tree after tree, but none of them met with his satisfaction. Cody, I would say, "Do you like that tree?" His reply was always the same, "No! Too small!"

I went looking for an enormous tree, knowing full well it would never fit in the house. "Cody" I asked, "How about that tree." Again he said, "No! Its too small!"

Swell.

Finally Pop Pop Larry made an executive decision. He picked a nice bushy looking tree and told the guys to prepare it.

The boys went inside while I paid. There in the corner was a surprise...a train layout! It was an L-gauge garden size train track that got the boy's attention. Both Cody and Noah remained glued in their tracks watching the train go round and round. I thought finding a tree would be the hit of the day, instead it was a purple balloon lion and a train.