Gift 2

Today's gift is spurred by the events of today...Day Trips! That ability to "get away" without getting TOO far away.  When cost and time are both optimal, but the rewards are priceless.

We got in the car around noon today and took the kids to Coeur d'Alene.  This gem of a town is right on the edge of a lake by the same name.  We drove down the quaint little Main Street and parked at the end.  There was this cute coffee shop that Jake got a Ginger Latte (which is declared was "DAMN GOOD").  We visited a few shops and walked around the parks.  The Main Street ended at this small beach that we skipped rocks on.

We walked back to the car on the other side of the road and found the place where we grabbed an early dinner.  It was a blessing of a eatery, as we all managed to find something we liked.  I even bought some chocolates from a tiny Sweets Shop.

Then I told the kids the surprise I had planned.  There is a lake cruise that takes people to the North Pole to see Santa and Mrs. Claus.  So a few days ago, I got online and booked our tickets for the 5:30 cruise.  Allie was a little nervous about being on a boat, but once we got seated and the lights were displayed she forgot she was nervous.  I got the kids each a hot chocolate, that they declared was the BEST they had drank.  When we got to Santa he read off of his "nice" list and wouldn't you know it, Allison and Owen were on that list.

To quote Owen, "This was a SUCCESS!"  I was very happy and relieved.  The fact that it wasn't very expensive, and only 40 minute drive from our house makes this an AWESOME day trip.  I do see us doing repeat trips to Coeur d'Alene several times over the next year.  This is my Gift 2.