What could impress a kid more than over a dozen hot-air balloons gathered around Mirror Lake "glowing" in unison? As it turns out, just about anything. We planned ahead for a cousin night (Daddy had to go to UC's biggest football game, EVER). We got to Eden Park and discovered that our many extra layers were not enough to keep us warm. Holiday music was played by a brass band (oops Mommy Breaks her rule again- another Christmas event before Thanksgiving). We strolled about the area, and were surprised to see Santa Claus! Genevieve said hello. We tried to work out logistical issues with Daddy's transportation and Aunt Kristen's parking with tensions running high. Just as things were settling down and cousins were approaching, Genevieve needed to potty. And the tears began. We moved briskly to the world's coldest port-o-let. Tears continued. We started the trip back around Mirror Lake to find cousins, when the sadness of Daddy separation set-in. Tears escalated. 
We found cousins - Alex checking out the scene, Lily pouting in the stroller. Genevieve immediately spread the love telling Alex,"I can't stop crying!" She tried to tell Lily her problem, but Lily was far too deep into her own pout to be sympathetic. Genevieve's crying continued. We gave up and started to the car. Crying continued. The original plan was to go to Frisch's Big Boy (Lily's favorite restaurant) after Balluminaria. Once the kids learned that crying kids who do not cooperate cannot go to Big Boy, the crying escalated briefly, and then stopped.
Kristen navigated football game traffic and we played the game "who knows a rule about eating at a restaurant?" The kids were champs. With the exception of a handful of hyper-Gigi outbursts, restaurant behavior matched what was outlined in the car game. As a result, the kids got to order dessert.
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