It'sSanta!

Today we went to the Courthouse Square for the Holiday Christmas Parade. I LOVE the Courthouse. It is a Historical Landmark and a beautiful building with quaint surroundings. When I used to live in town I would  jog in the mornings and would run up and down the Courthouse steps for an extra cardio-push (pre-two-kids, of course).

The Parade was LOOOONNNG. About an hour and forty-five minutes long. Way to long for a one and three year old. I was a bit disappointed because Santa would be last, of course, and we were going to miss him. We went to eat at the Brew Pub, across the street from the Courthouse. Beat the 'lunch rush,' that's for sure since everyone was still watching the parade! And then when we got out, with our belly's full of yummy food, OHMEGOODNESS, there was Santa! Right behind the local High School Marching Band. Perfect Perfect Timing. MACKENZIE'S SWEET FACE LIT UP! She was so excited. She got on Dad's shoulders and was waving and yelling 'It's Santa! Hi Santa!' Her expression was magical. I almost cried. She watched him for as far as she could waving and yelling and full of absolute glee.

All the way to the car she could not stop talking about Santa and also wished everyone she saw a Merry Christmas. We went to the mall after and there was no line to see Santa! Although we hadn't planned on a Santa shot, why not?!?! Mackenzie was primed because she was on a Santa High. Zachy was too tired to really protest. We got a pretty cute photo, given that the kids are one and three. Mackenzie is cuddled up close to Santa with a smile on her face and Zachy is on Santa's lap, pretty expressionless, but that's much better than screaming! So, again, Perfect Perfect Timing!

What a great day.

Mackenzie is really getting the idea of Christmas this year. Not necessarily the Naughty-Nice part, but she sure knows Santa brings presents. While at the mall I got the kids the Elf on the Shelf. The idea is that the Elf is Santa's Helper and he watches the kids during the day and then flies back to Santa at night and reports to him, while the kids are asleep of course. So far she doesn't seem to be buying it, but tomorrow I am reading her the story and seeing if I can get her to bite! Hey, whatever works.

Last night Mackenzie was looking outside, saw some Christmas lights on a neighbor's porch and said, 'Come see the lights outside in the world, Momma!'

Yep, this is the year it gets fun!