Visiting Santa in the Plaza

On Friday morning we walked up to the Plaza to eat at the reopened Plaza Cafe. Olivia held Uncle Steve's hand and walked all by herself for over half of the distance - probably at least 1/4 of a mile! She loved it and was having so much fun.

After eating a delicious breakfast, we walked around the Plaza and found Santa hanging out on an old fire truck. Sofia sat on his lap and talked to him for awhile, but Olivia wanted nothing to do with him. After, we split up to do a bit of Christmas shopping - we still needed to buy for Uncle Steve, even though we knew exactly what we wanted to get. It was fun spending time visiting different shops and we found Uncle Steve's gift after walking for what seemed like miles. We headed back to the casita and the girls took naps before we returned to the Plaza for the Lighting of the Luminarios and visit with Santa. Unfortunately, Aunt Shirl was still feeling bad so she stayed behind to recover while the rest of us walked to the Plaza. It was a relatively warm evening in the low-50s, but we still got hot chocolate and hot tea while we listened to Christmas carols being sung. Probably because of the warm weather, it was very crowded.

We found the line to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and waited our turn, which wasn't too long. Once she got up to Santa and Mrs. Claus, Sofia sat on Mrs. Claus' lap and told them what she wanted this year. She told Santa she wants a barn and horses, which wasn't a big surprise. Olivia wasn't interested in visiting with either Mrs. or Santa Claus and was happy to stay in my arms.

After visiting Santa, we stood in the middle of the Plaza and listened to the Christmas music being sung while we waited for the Christmas lights to be turned on. Finally, the mayor was up on stage counting down and the trees around us lit up in various colors - it was beautiful! After enjoying the view for a bit, we headed back to the casita for pizza and to celebrate Thanksmas!

Walking to the Plaza

Sofia holding onto Uncle Steve while she walks

Still walking!

Another little girl who loves her Uncle! At one point, Olivia fell down and started crying, so I picked her up. She kept crying and reached for Uncle Steve! She wanted him to console instead of me.

Our little cowgirl at the Plaza Cafe

Hanging out with Santa

A close-up

Back at the Plaza that evening, waiting for hot chocolate

Olivia and me

Sofia holding hands with Uncle Steve - they were inseparable!

A family picture

With Uncle Steve while we waited in line to see Santa

Sofia with Santa and Mrs. Claus

After asking for a barn and horses

Heading home after a very fun night!