Santa!

Last night was one of those nights that I don't want to forget. We have a family tradition of going into DC to see the National tree and visit Santa at his workshop that is set up behind it. Marisol was very excited to see Santa this year and knew exactly what she wanted to ask for Christmas from him. With some guidance Gerry decided on a toy he would like this year and some "waking suggestions" got him in a positive state of mind, "Santa's a weally nice duy. I not doe-ing be sca-wee" (translation: Santa's a really nice guy. I'm not going to be scary aka scared).

So the plan was in place to go see Santa Sunday evening so we could also carry on our tradition of eating at Cosi (a sandwich shop) afterwards.

Quite honestly, I was wondering why we get so excited about this as we got ready to go. Everyone was tired and hungry and there was crying over socks or no socks and many other little things. Somehow we finally all managed to get into the car, kids each equipped with an iPhone to entertain and keep them awake on the short drive. 

Mike found an awesome parking spot (he's the man!) and we loaded the kids onto the sit n stand stroller. It turned out that we had a longer walk then we thought we would because they had the side we were on blocked off. But we got a good view of the National Menorah on our walk at least.

The following pictures took place over about an hour...

This year there is a new National Menorah behind the National tree - pretty cool!

The National Christmas Tree

Santa's Workshop!

So much to see!

Lots of hopping and excitement as we wait our turn...

About to go into Santa's workshop.

Santa's workshop has lots of toys and presents!

Almost there!

This was the sweetest moment - right before it was our turn to see Santa. 

They were both so happy to see Santa and told him what they want for Christmas: Baby Butterscotch (a pony) and Jake and the Neverland Pirate Ship.

After we left Santa's workshop Gerry ran and jumped and exclaimed, "That was fun!" Right next to the workshop is a Nativity scene. So we stopped to look at baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and as I kneeled down next to Gerry and he said, slightly confused, "where's my present?" Oh man, I love that kid! To be 3 again.

The White House looked pretty all lit up

Checking out the trains around the tree

As we walked to Cosi to eat dinner Mike, Marisol and I were chatting about the upcoming inauguration. We walked around to the front of the White House and they are already setting up for it. The next thing I knew Gerry's head was flopped over to one side - oh no, he was asleep! Mike looked at his watch - 6:30. Well, we went to Cosi and Gerry slept in my lap the whole time, slept the whole way home and then made it into his bed. He slept till about 6:30 this morning. Marisol enjoyed a cup of chicken soup (a first!) and hot chocolate. It was a very fun night.

5 years and counting! So fun...

Marisol says, "BEST. DAY. EVER!"

Good night everyone.