The Balloon Man

After basketball practice last night, we ate dinner at Corona's Mexican Restaurant. There was a gentleman wearing silly glasses, carrying a large black bag, and moving from table to table. Immediately, my four year old studied him to find out what he was doing. Her eyes sparkled and lit up as a hug smile stretched across her face as she exclaimed "Mommy! He's a balloon man! He's making balloons!!!"

As a mommy, I knew full and well that this was the perfect opportunity for a challenge. So I said, "Jenna, if you sit still and eat all your food, he will come to our table and I'll let him make you a balloon." My plan worked! Jenna sat still, ate all of her cheese quesadilla, and waited patiently (well, as patiently as a 4 year old can wait - meaning she asked at least 3 times when he would make it to our table).

Jenna got lucky though- the table he was next to looked over at us and lo, and behold, it was some friends I grew up with. Lee Coker called over to us from their table to say hello. My dad went over to speak with them and Jenna took that opportunity to get closer to the balloon man and went with Grandpa to visit. Of course, after saying hello to Lee and the guys, her true reason for being there became obvious as she turned and watched the balloon man as he made a ladybug for someone at that table. Lucky for Jenna, it was a table of women...and all thought she was "the cutest thing"... so Jenna batted her little eyes and VOILA, Jenna is now included at the table where the balloon man is! (She's a smart little cookie, isn't she?)

The balloon man got a kick out of her enthusiasm and so he made an extra special balloon for her. He made a balloon to look just like her, even wearing her same outfit! He finished the little girl off with a smile, freckles, and gave her purple flowers per Jenna's request. The balloon girl actually looks a LOT like Jenna and the balloon man received a round of applause from all after he presented it to "Princess Jenna".

Thanks Balloon Man, for making my Jenna Jade feel like a real princess.

Oh- and Dear Corona's Restaurant, FYI -since last time you provided "the real Santa", and this time it was "The Balloon Man", you have now created a little girl that most certainly has high expectations now for you... Good luck with that!