A Tree Lighting

Last week Marcus decided naps weren't necessary (for him; I, on the other hand, find naps to be absolutely critical for every one's well being). Some of our afternoons were pretty rocky - and that's putting it mildly.
Finding creative ways to kill occupy our afternoons was tricky. Thankfully, one afternoon our city hosted a tree lighting event. Aside from the lights on the tree in my own living room I'd never been to a tree lighting event. I won't deny that I was a little excited about it all.

When we arrived 'snow' was spotted along with a 'sledding hill.' While waiting our turn in line I wasn't sure how the whole thing would go. Either Marcus would be terrified of flying down the icy slope, or he'd love it.

Let's take a closer look…

His face kills me. I swear he's loving every second of it.

Marcus' face doesn't at ALL reflect how much fun he had. If it weren't for the line doubling in size every few seconds we could have sledded all.day.long.

Because the 'snow' was more packed ice than 'snow', and somewhat dangerous for toddlers, we checked it out only briefly.

After we left the 'snow' area Marcus kept jabbering about all the snow, and sledding. The kid loved it all. It kind of baffles me that something I was exposed to for so many years of my life is such a novelty to my little man.

We got up close and personal to a police horse.

We were in awe of a fire truck that helped assist in placing the star atop of the Christmas tree.

Quality time with our bestie was had.

There was dancing and giggles galore between these two. Watching them together is the sweetest.

Hot cocoa anyone?

We even had our second sighting of Santa this season.

We took this opportunity to remind Santa that cars were at the top of the Christmas list.

When it was time for the main event - the tree lighting - I have to admit, it was incredibly anticlimactic (the tree was reminiscent of the Charlie Brown tree, and the lights were kind of sparse). But, the kids loved it, and our nap-less afternoon was a solid success (rather than an epic meltdown-mess, which is what I was fully anticipating).

Of course, the second we drove away I saw this in the back seat..

And nothing - not even the transfer from the car to the house - was waking him up.

A Christmas Tree Lighting success!