Over the river and through the woods (of Africa)
Just hear those sleigh bells jingle and ring, ting, tingle at night.
Such was the case last night. We heard bells in the distance, similar to planes flying overhead. They slowly grew louder until a “thud” hit our roof. We then heard the sounds of hooves and bells among the clatter. Startled, I through open the door to see what was the matter.
The kids noticed the fireplace a cloud of sot coming from it. The mantle rattled and shook. Then down dropped St. Nick. About 10 seconds is all it took.
He smiled and laughed, knowing he got us by surprise. Then he looked at my girls to see if they wanted a ride. They looked at each other and then smiled at me. I thought, “What the heck. Where could this lead?”
Mr. Claus said it was some training for his sleigh and reindeer. “We’re covering the globe but there’s nothing to fear. I want to see the shape of my team. If they are ready for the big trip Christmas eve. Plus, I’ll check on all the animals tonight to make sure they are warm and being treated just right. Dylan and Skylar you can come a long this year. I need the weight of both you plus some cookies packed in the rear. ”
So off they flew, then flew out of sight. I wondered at last, if I can get some sleep tonight.
North America:
First Santa took my girls through the mid west and then to our Rocky Mountains. He found some brown bears playing in the Christmas Spirit. Then, he let my girls ride some trail horses around some mountainous paths.
Australia:
They launched off the mountains and headed southwest to Australia. The girls told me about some baby Koala bears and Kangaroos that they found.
Africa:
The King of Misfit Toys
Next they took off for the plains of Africa. They found the lion watching over his kingdom. Next they saw some monkeys singing Christmas carols. And then some elephants cuddling up for a snack.
I swear that was not my child reaching into the lion’s cage!
He let the kids get out and play while he fed his reindeer team. Then they stopped for a moment to feed some of Santa’s giraffes. When the herd got their fill then off they flew!
North Pole:
My girls told me they LOVED the North Pole. It was not so isolated and bitter cold as they thought but exciting and busy as elves; like a big company getting ready to roll out their next cell phone-mini computer thingies.
Once there, they got out of Santa’s sleigh and were guided around by some elves. They were shown how the toys were made, got to make their own Gingerbread House, that got to play on some of the elves favorite rides like their carousel and tiny train between villages.
What a great day for them! They BELIEVE. Oh yes, they BELIEVE! You could tell by their smiles in the vid. When the fun-filled day was over Santa packed these two girls back in his sleigh and brought them back home. They slept all the way!
Thanks Riverbanks Zoo for wonderful experiences from around the world
Here is a link to get some of their sought after compost, Zoo Poo, effortlessly produced by some of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden’s most famous animals: elephants, giraffes and even zebras! The Zoo Poo is no joke!We watched the elephants make some.
It’s heavy doodie.
DISCLAIMER: No poet was used, tested, or consulted for this story and apologies to Clement C Moore
OUR LIFE IN 3D 