Alysa keeps telling me that it has to snow on Christmas. She says it has to snow so Santa can come. I keep trying to explain that he'll come even without snow. Funny how they pick up on the white Christmas bit from just the music - it certainly hasn't been white around here yet. I hope she's not too disappointed.

We went to Storybook Land today for their Christmas bit. Alysa sat on Santa's lap and got a present (a toy ring) and she saw Mrs. Claus too. Kayla refused to see him. They enjoyed the rides as usual and we stayed long enough to see for the magical lighting of the park. Hundreds of thousands of lights - it was beautiful. But we left shortly after. We arrived at 2pm and left by 5:20'ish. It was cold, bitterly cold. The high was 30 today with a breeze to match. We layered up really good, but that doesn't do much for fingers and toes even with socks and gloves. Kayla kept telling me she was frozen and her feet hurt, but she never wanted to leave. Alysa, by the time 4:30 came, was begging to leave in between her chattering teeth and shaking body (literally, no exaggeration needed). J took her in the gift shop for a while so Kayla and I could wait for the lighting (at 5pm). After that, we did 3 more rides and left. Even though my toes are still thawing out, it was worth it and we'll enjoy this annually.

I'll admit that I've never been more envious of the people who could walk around with hot chocolate before...

The afternoon in pictures...

Now this is one big tree!


Alysa with Mrs. & Mr. Claus




All of us in the sleigh


This ride used to have elephants. They change it over for this time of year - very cute!


The girls all bundled with blankets


Me & Alysa - Kayla's afraid of the dragons


J & his girls on the carousel


Kayla's bundled and waiting for Santa


Santa's waiving his magic wand to turn the lights on. Sorry it's so dark (click to enlarge), but my flash doesn't reach that far


Lights, lights, everywhere...




Now if I can only order some snow for Christmas Day...