Christmas Preparations: Visit to the City

Yesterday, Ella's Advent calendar message invited Molly and her on a trip to the city to see the Christmas lights. It's been our tradition to see them each December and it was fun to be able to have Molly with us for the first time this year.  The drive down was a pleasant one--Molly babbled and "talked" the whole time and laughed at Ella whenever Ella laughed at the movie she was watching (thanks, Auntie Titter and Uncle Dave for the "Mr. Fox" movie).  

We went to the old John Wanamaker building, which now houses Macy's, and found a great spot on the third floor to watch the light show.  Both girls were fascinated by the lights and music.  Rob and I have always enjoyed the show ourselves, but this year was the best as we watched the girls' excitement.  When the show was over, we walked through the Dicken's Christmas Village, also in the store before venturing out for a yummy pizza dinner.  

We couldn't have as for a better evening together--the weather was great, the lights were beautiful, the girls were well-behaved, both Molly and Ella loved the show and the sights of the city streets and buildings lit up.  After we put the girls to bed, we felt very blessed to have the resources (e.g., a safe car, money for parking and dinner, and a free light show) to have such a special evening together as a family.  We hope that this is a tradition that we will continue with the girls as they continue to grow older and one that they will remember fondly when they think back to this time.

 the tree before the show started

The organ is behind the tree and the "curtain" of individual lights that make the show

 Daddy and the girls getting ready for the show

(Miss Molly wore her warm jammies since we were planning on being out "late" in the cold)

 the building's architecture and the lights are beautiful

 another view of the tree

 Ella's perfect spot to watch the show

Molly and me