Rooney vs. the Santa Claus

The nice thing about being basically snowed in is that I have alot more time to update Roon's blog. I think I've posted more this month than in any month since Rooney turned 1. Yesterday it was forecast that a really bad winter storm was rolling in. Winds were supposed to be between 50-70mph in some parts, with wind gusts up to 90mph! Thankfully the forecast was not as grim near our house (winds 25-35mph with gusts up to 50mph), but more snow was forecast for everywhere.

We had tickets to go to the Santa Train yesterday morning. I was a little nervous because of the impending storm but thankfully our tickets were for morning and the storm was due to roll in during the afternoon. Despite my earlier apprehension it turned out to be a good thing because North Bend is where the 90mph wind gusts were expected! Santa Train could have been alot of fun. You got to take a short train ride to Snoqualmie and to where Santa was waiting. After taking a picture with Santa there were cookies and cocoa available plus you could do a little shopping before the train rolled back out to North Bend. This could have been great for photos and a nice little Christmasy family activity. This could have been alot of fun if it was not so cold!

We were a little unprepared. I thought we were dressed warmly, but I thought we really only needed to worry about the short train ride so I didn't worry about wearing heavy boots. I figured it would be heated where Santa was and the cookies etc. and it was. I did not take into account the walk from the car to the train station, through a couple inches of snow, that would start our trek off with frozen feet. By the end I was so cold. I only remember 2 others times being as cold. Rooney was getting kind of fussy and wanting to bounce around when were standing in all the lines and on the train. Of course we eventually started getting annoyed and Rooney started getting upset but we made it through to see Santa. I was not really sure how well Rooney would receive Santa. He is very intrigued by him, especially when he found out he brings gifts, but I think he is an imposing figure. That makes Rooney a bit shy. Roon decided he did not want to sit on Santa's lap but he okayed standing next to him. Santa got Rooney to put his hand on Santa's but unfortunately for Roon he blanked when Santa asked what he wanted for Christmas. Mom remembered but possibly not in order of importance. It wasn't until the train trip back when Rooney said his feet hurt that I realized why we had been so antsy and moody. Of course his feet hurt! They were 2 ice blocks like mine were and I know mine really hurt. Poor baby.

We got him in the car finally and got him all warmed up. He actually fell asleep pretty quickly and that short cat nap was enough to keep him up the rest of the day. That was unfortunate for Mom and Dad because we were hoping to take a little snooze when we got home. The day was exhausting but we did have work to do. Grandma Peggie is due to arrive today so we had some cleaning to do and with the impending storm we didn't know if we would have power in the morning.

The storm came and it was pretty nasty. The wind howled and I watched the trees in our backyard. Every time I heard a crack I ran to the window to make sure the trees were still there. We lost a strand of Christmas lights and Mike will have to scrape the driveway yet again but we still have power! Mike will try to venture out to pick Grandma Peggie up from the airport. I'm sure they will be in for a little adventure. Keep your fingers crossed.