Walking the Walk: Part Three

(Read Part One)
(Read Part Two)

I knew I had to do something, and fast.  Major sensory overload was setting in, and I had to make a split-second decision.  I couldn't keep her out on the field with all these people; that was for sure.

As we made our way back toward the tunnel, The Princess attempted to steal some poor little boy's balloon.  I tried as best I could to explain to her that this was not her balloon, that she had to give it back.  That was it.  I'd lost her, and the tantrum of all tantrums hinted around her features. 

Seeing what was going on, Nana met my eyes.  I pointed to the tunnel, and she nodded, telling me that she'd inform the group.  She set off in the other direction to meet up with them as I made my way through the crowd and the noise in search of some peace for my little girl.

The second we entered the tunnel, the noise disappeared.  I found a large empty corner and settled in with The Princess, whose muscles were relaxing noticeably with every additional foot I put between us and that.  Within minutes, she was sitting on the floor with me, happily playing with her toys and demolishing her fruit snacks.

After a short time alone in the cool, dark, relatively quiet tunnel, I saw six familiar faces coming our way.  JAK, Nana, Grampy, and Great Auntie T all joined us with smiles and understanding in their eyes. 

And a balloon.

Oh, Nana, you have no idea.  You are a rock star of the highest order.

And then we were off.

Picking up our wagon, our group of eight headed out into the overcast morning and joined the haphazard crowd that was beginning to drift to the starting point.

Up next: Part Four