Local tree lighting

This past week we attended our township's annual tree lighting ceremony.  The flyer boosted crafts, music, lighting the tree, and a special visit from Santa.

The kids wrote their letters to Santa.  Lila asked for a baby, dog, and Dora.  Brendan thought for a few seconds and declared he wanted Santa to bring him a pen.  Just a pen.  A real pen like I use to write and one that only writes numbers:)

The township did not disappoint with all the crafts projects, live music, and cookie decorating station.  There were a lot of people inside so we chose to listen to the music outdoors.  Brendan and Lila were both getting antsy (whiny, complaining, unruly) because of the waiting for Santa and the tree lighting.  Luckily we didn't have to wait much longer and we all did a countdown and the tree was lit.

Then it was time for Santa to arrive by police escort and in a firetruck!  Pretty exciting arrival through the eyes of a 5 and 1 year old.  We got our spot in line and then a soft snow began to fall.  Brendan and Lila tried to catch snowflakes with their tongues and Brendan gave us fun comments like...

"I'm cold. Let's go right now!"

"I don't want to see Santa.  I want to go home and be warm."

"Lila run away!" insert evil giggle

Finally it was our turn and Brendan walked right up to Santa and said hi.  I handed Lila to Mrs. Clause and we got a quick picture before Lila turned on the tears.  When Santa asked Brendan what he wanted for Christmas, sure enough he told him a pen.  Santa laughed and said that was pretty easy:) 

We said our good-byes and headed for the car to warm up (after we walked by our favorite pond and said hello to all the geese).  Brendan said when we got home he wanted to be cozy with me on the couch.  He makes me crazy and then tells me something like that!