The Naughty Terracotta Warrior

Brrrr! It sure was cold outside, but we had a really nice day, using some gift cards. Mommy and Daddy got a P.F. Chang's gift card for Christmas from Ye-Ye and Nana, so today we combined a little after-Christmas stroll through the mall with a really nice Chinese dinner.

The Mall of Georgia was packed! Despite all the people, we got into the restaurant in about ten minutes. The food was delicious, and we sat right underneath a Terracotta Warrior that just looked at us suspiciously. Our fears were justified rather soon: each time Madison turned around, she discovered that the statue had stolen her plastic bracelet and had put it in his hands! Naughty, naughty! She'd laugh and grab it back, going back to her meal, giving her plate her full attention. But it wasn't long before that warrior somehow mysteriously had her bracelet again!

Madison enjoyed her spring rolls, and liked looking at the statues too. It was almost a year ago that we saw the real Terracotta Warriors when they came marching into Atlanta. It was at the High Museum, an incredible display that was very educational.

We brought Madison through the museum, but weren't allowed to take pictures. We were, however, allowed to take a stroller. Madison did very well in that museum, despite her age. She was only two, but Daddy rolled her around from warrior to warrior as he listened to the headphones the museum attendants gave us at the front door. We didn't want Madison to miss out on this, even if she was only two. In the end, it was a great day for the three of us - and a great experience. Madison never once made a fuss, quietly seated in her stroller, absorbing all she saw before her. The exhibit was huge, and we saw quite a bit of history from Madison's homeland.

Earlier in the year, Nana had given us a miniature Terracotta Warrior (along with another gift card!). To this day, it sits proudly on our mantle. I think Madison recognizes it, and certainly recognized the mischievous little guy we sat next to today!

We wrapped up a great day by watching a classic: "Rudolph's Shiny New Year." That's right: Christmas may be over, but the Rankin Bass machine rolls on! New Year's Eve is only a few days away, and it is up to Rudolph to save the day once more, as the baby New Year is nowhere to be found! Madison, Mommy and Daddy snuggled in the bed and munched on popcorn as we watched this classic television special. Madison enjoyed it very much - just like she enjoyed Tinkerbell last night too. Don't worry: the baby New Year was found, and all eternity was saved just in time for Madison to go to bed. She drank her milk as Rudolph saved the world, and soon was in her crib fast asleep.