ringing in the season

Ellie and Santa!


Last night...the girls and I had the perfect start to the Christmas holiday season. We headed over to the local village to watch the small town Christmas parade. I turned out to be like 65 degrees outside...so it was really fun and not miserable like other years. We met my parents there...and my step brother and sister-in-law and her 2 boys.











Addy looking a little nervous with Santa!


The parade highlights:

A soldier standing at attention in front of a Christmas tree...with a sign that said Remember our Troops (that made me a little teary)

A giant military helicopter pulled on a trailer from which a dude threw candy


The DARE officer from Addy's school riding in the smallest biggest toy car ever




(Addy watching the parade)








A firetruck

McGruff

Lots of motorcycles

and...bum bum bum...SANTA!



After the parade was over we headed down to the village museum where we the girls got to see Santa in person and visit with him. Ellie got on Santa's lap and told him she wanted markers and Dora.

Addy managed a hug and told Santa she wanted a Barbie, markers, and a portable DVD player. Addy didn't want to see or talk to Santa...she just wanted to send him an e-mail. I told her we'd have much better chances of getting what she wanted if she told him in person. :)

I'm hoping to post pictures shortly.

We walked down main street and looked in the windows of the shops. Then we drove down to the huge light display in the park. They have those really big animated displays...like Santa playing baseball...skiers...and a candy factory.

The girls ate about a million candy canes. Then we headed to my parents house and had dinner and hot chocolate for dessert. It was really a fun night.

The question of the night:

Addy: Mom...why will we see Santa but not the reindeer???
Me: Well...uh...that's because they are having to rest up for the big night. They can't be running all over making visits when they are about to fly all around the world in one night. They have to be eating oatmeal and resting up.
Addy: OH. I see.