Santa Truck - Tumwater Fire Department Food Drive

Every year in December the Tumwater Fire Department has their annual food drive and every year our neighborhood is on the list for a drive by. It's very exciting. We look forward to this event as part of our holiday festivities.

This past Sunday evening we heard the sirens first (at bedtime, no less). When I peeked out and saw the truck all aglow just turning into our loop, I also simultaneously heard Steve say the final "good-night" to our Little Dude and shut his door. Hmmm. We hesitated, but decided that our recent bed time rules - Do Not Get Out Of Bed Once You Are Tucked Snuggly In It For Any Reason - had certainly not included a visit from Santa or a holiday firetruck in the crisp night air. Rules are rules, but I think we found ourselves a loop-hole. Certain my judgment was going to come back and bite me at future bedtimes, I gave Steve the shrug and nod and he invited a dazed and confused little boy to get out of bed (just this once) and join us outside.


Still timid, but interest peaked, and also eager to oblige and see what all the commotion was about, Peyton ran out of the house into the cold, foggy night...without shoes. He didn't have to go far because the truck had made it's first stop right in front of our house as all the nearest neighbors poured out of their own homes and cheerfully paraded down the street in our direction. Santa and his pals waited to greet us.

A surprise visit from Santa, mobile tinkle lights in the night, bedtime exceptions, it was all like a very quick and pleasant dream. I'm surprised Peyton and Allison (yes, she, too, was quickly bundled in a random assortment of blankets and coats and taken outside for her first experience of this magical Christmas moment.

It lingered a few minutes so we could take turns sitting on Santa's lap and the last of the neighbors could collect their candy canes (or donate food) then the Santa Truck continued it's journey around the back side of the loop and onto the next unsuspecting and lucky neighborhood.

It was hard to see it go, but we'll welcome its return next Christmas.

That night Peyton took a moment to carefully hang his candy cane on our tree and then quickly returned to his warm, cozy bed. And stayed there. Just like that. It's been a good week too. He hasn't gotten up even one time after the final bed-time kisses and good-nights. I guess, Santa, works his magic in mysterious ways!