Santa and Fire Alarms

Christmas is such an exciting time of year. The children are just enthralled by all the lights, gifts, and goodies. The girls had their school parties yesterday. They each had a gift exchange in their class. They, of course, had lots of treats. But they also had a special visitor this year. Santa stopped by each class and talked to the children. How exciting. (And we didn't have to wait in line at a mall where I have to pay for the pictures...) Rebecca asked for books. Not a big surprise. But I was surprised at how shy she acted. It took her a little while before she came up with something.

After Santa finished with Rebecca, I headed over to Miriam's class. Santa was headed there next, and I wanted to get there before him. I was able to see Miriam and get situated in the room before Santa showed up.

Then the Kindergartners started sitting on Santa's lap. Miriam was so patient. All the other children visited with Santa. He stopped asking what they wanted, though. Maybe it was taking too long. He was behind schedule.

When Miriam was next in line, something unexpected happened. Lights started flashing. The fire alarms were going off. So out we all go-- children, teachers, parents and Santa. Out to the back of the school. The kids did a great job of going right to where they were supposed to go and standing on the line. They have been practicing.

Santa waited for about 10 minutes and then decided to finish his rounds outside. So Miriam got her picture taken outside with Santa.

We waited outside for the fire trucks to come. The fire men would have to check the building before we could go back in to finish our party. We watched the trucks come. We watched as the fire fighters went into every door and checked whatever it is they check. We waited and listened to see if we could hear the fire alarms or if they had turned off. We talked about other unpleasant fire alarm situations, as well as tornado alarms. We waited and waited.

After 45 minutes, we were allowed to go back in to the school. We found out that a heat sensor in one of the electrical closets went off, and wouldn't shut off so they had to check the whole building. Since the time was now 2:52 and school gets out at 2:55, we gathered belongings and left.

So class Halloween parties were cancelled due to snow, Caroling was cancelled due to ice and cold weather, and now the Christmas party was trumped by a fire alarm. What could happen for Valentine's Day?