We continued our Cville tradition of going to the Charlottesville Christmas parade. It is small, has some pretty random groups in it, and there were about 4 or 5 seperate times where there was about a 5 minutes gap between "floats." But the kids loved it, and it's something that we've really enjoyed taking them to.
We bought a dozen Carpe Donuts to eat during the parade. Yum. And listened to some lovely anti-big bank Christmas carols while we waited for the parade to start.
Last year one of the groups in the parade handed out beanie babies to each child. It was pretty awesome. This year, that same group gave Ella Snow Whites head on a chain. Also awesome.
This was Ella's favorite part. Santa. And he gave a special wave just for us, and an EXTRA special one finger wave just for Ella. She still talks about that one finger wave that was meant for her.
We also took the kids to see some super cool gingerbread houses. Here are some of our favorites
On Christmas Eve we continued another yearly tradition in our family, and took the kids to see the Legendary Santa at the Richmond Childrens museum. Soon after we got there, Craigs sister, Brooke, and her family showed up! We didn't plan it, but we should have... and hopefully will in the future. While Craig and Danny waited in the long line, Brooke and I played with the kids in the museum.
Here are Victoria and I posing as newscasters. We were pretty awesome at that. Not even Ella running across our screen could throw us off!
We also said funny things and laughed at eachothers jokes (all to show our viewers how fun we can be, of course).
The kids put on a play
and acted like they were reindeer or on Santas sleigh.
They did some crafts (yes, the men were in the line FOREVER)
Isaac did some volunteer time in an emergency vehicle
He also rung people up at the grocery store
And FINALLY the main event. They got to see Santa! And to make it even better, they were able to see him come down the chimney. They were all pretty fascinated.
Isaac did loud gasps about 8 times while Santa was coming out, and as he started to talk to everyone
Isaac really does love Santa- but something about his parents throwing him on Santa's lap, running away, and laughing didn't sit well with him. Ella enjoyed it though. She still talks about the things that he said to her. This guy is the real deal. If you live near Richmond... you should really take your kids to see him. Craig grew up seeing him every year, and Im sure we will do the same for our kids.
Family picture after Santa
And Brooke and Dannys family. We were really glad to run into them, and think it made the whole experience even more fun.
On the way out we had the kids take a little train ride. I think Isaac was still suffering from some separation anxiety after the whole Santa thing. Poor guy.
Next up, Christmas Eve with Craigs family, our very first Christmas morning with our own family, and Christmas day with my family.
3 comments:
These are the best traditions. Isaac's face on Santa's lap, best ever. And I love that they watched him come down the chimney, so authentic! You dress Isaac so adorably, can't get over it. And that Snow White keychain, creepy and awesome at the same time. Ha ha.
Where on earth did they come up with the Snow White's head on a chain? Lovely!
I am going to have to get out some of Craig's pics with Santa to give to you. I love these memories!
I can't believe we never did the "real deal" santa when we lived there. Ella looks so grown up. I can't get over how smart she is either. You're lucky to have a little friend during the day :)
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