pre-christmas activities

Yesterday we took the girls downtown to see the Duke Energy train display and to see Santa at Macy's. The line was way long for the train, and Libby isn't really a train-enthusiast—just a big Polar Express fan—so she was satisfied to peek through the window. Then we walked across Fountain Square so Libby could watch the ice skaters on our way to Macy's. This is the third year we've taken Libby to see Santa there, and it's the same Santa every year, which we love. Plus, there's nothing for sale—you see Santa, take your own photos and get a candy cane. You can even write a letter while you wait. And we did have to wait a while this year, but Libby was very, very good in line. Lilah slept from the time we left the house until it was her turn to sit on Santa's lap, then went back in her stroller and fell asleep again. She's a super easygoing baby! As you can see from the photos, Lilah grinned away on Santa's lap and Libby told him exactly what she wanted this year: "presents." More specifically, "two presents." I suppose we should appreciate her lack of specificity for now because I'm sure it will only be a year or two before she has a list a mile long with princess this and princess that on it.

When we got home we baked cut-out cookies and plan to decorate them tonight. We'll also be partaking in our annual Christmas Eve dinner of all appetizers and snacks. We'll post cookie-decorating photos and Christmas morning photos soon. Until then, Merry Christmas to all!