Each year, since we have been living in Nashville, we take a trip to the Opryland hotel to see all of the Christmas lights! It is such a fun tradition and we usually take it all in the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year, we were a bit delayed in our visit, but continued the tradition the week after Thanksgiving. It was especially fun this year, because Caleb is so into the lights and decorations. So, of course that gets little brother all the more excited! Seth can now spot a Christmas tree from a mile away.
Eric and I thought it would be neat to surprise the boys with a trip to the Rainforest Cafe to start off our festive evening. We had never eaten there before, but stop by to visit the mechanical hippopotamus and snake outside the restaurant every time we are in the Opry Mills mall. In the midst of patting ourselves on the back for thinking up such an exciting treat for the boys, we neglected to thoroughly think the idea through.
Here are some of the questions we should have asked ourselves before our little adventure:
Would a 20-month-old really enjoy eating chicken nuggets surrounded by a bunch of mechanical gorillas? Would said child be totally terrified by the whole experience, hold his little head down, and cling, with all his might, to the closest parent, making it a little difficult for anyone to eat? Would the oh-so adventurous big brother even be scared ("but only a little," he said) of the big elephants in the corner? (Aren't elephants his favorite animal?) Who would have thought the cool rain storm, that occured every 30 minutes, would send Sethie into sheer panic?
No, we did not think of these outcomes...not until it was too late. Caleb did end up thinking that the place was pretty cool. Seth never did really warm up to the whole idea. We had to turn him to where his chair did not face the gorillas. Thank goodness for the balloons that they put on the back of the chairs. That did provide the little guy with some security and enjoyment. We just hope he is not forever traumatized!
Seth was much more at ease at the Opryland hotel, amid all of the lights and Christmas trees. Both boys had a great time! We went on a Wednesday night, so it was not nearly so crowded, and it gave the boys lots of room to run around in certain areas. And Eric and I were very happy to share a special night together with our boys and see all of the wonder through their sweet little eyes.
See, much happier with his balloon! And away from the gorillas!
Caleb actually took these two shots. Not too shabby for a four-year-old.
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