Visiting Santa ... or not

Ally had been talking for a week about how she wanted to visit Santa. After last years traumatic ordeal we decided we didn't think we should do it again. She kept asking so last Friday we decided to give in and go check out the Winter Wonderland at the new Bass Pro Shop. We thought it would be far less scary than the crazy mall and we also had never been in there before. Clearly we underestimated how popular this store was and we also didn't know you needed a fast pass to see Santa.

We came in at 7 pm and saw a small line. We get in line and the girl working asks for our time card. We didn't know that you had to pick up a pass that told you what time you could come back to see Santa. Really? She gave us a card that said come back at 8:30. WHAT? Ally was really into the whole winter scene and all the displays they had set up so there was plenty to do. The place is gigantic. Beautiful decorations and little games for kids to play. We did a lap and checked out the live fish tank where they were doing a demo, a ton of life sized stuffed animals of all kinds, the grill area then made our way into the bowling alley and restaurant. That area is underwater themed and the special lighting they have makes you really feel like you are under the ocean. It was really awesome and Ally loved watching the fish and the bowling. We got some ice cream from the little old fashioned soda fountain and then headed back over to get in line.

While we waited Ally waved at Santa so we were sure this was a good sign. She was pumped up and ready to go. We didn't wait long in line before it was our turn. As soon as we started walking up the red carpet and Santa said hi she freaked and jumped straight into my arms. Wouldn't look at him and was hanging onto my arms with the death grip. The more he talked to her, she harder she was shaking. Not crying or screaming but wasn't going to let go so we could get our free picture. Would even take the candy cane! We walked away and back to the car. She declared " Idon't like Santa" and that was it.

Two Best Friends

Yesterday morning, I was getting Ally packed up for school in the kitchen like I always do in the morning. I was getting my stuff together and realized I forgot my rings so I ran upstairs and came down to find this: Ally and Ella sitting on the floor reading books together. It was the cutest thing! I asked her what she was doing and she stated the obvious- I'm reading the bear book to Ella. I was able to get my camera and my phone to snap a few pictures of the cuteness and Ally even smiled for me. She usually hates getting her picture taken but she was loving it. She kept on reading to her with her hand on her back petting and hugging her until I got everything ready and it was time to put her jacket on. What a funny kid!

Viva Las Vegas

Saturday after Thanksgiving we packed up for a quick trip to visit Uncle Co Co in Las Vegas. He took a job as a development assistant with UNLV athletics in August and this was our first opportunity to get there. We made plans fairly quickly and didn't really tell Ally (aka Childthatneverforgetsanything) too far in advance so she was so excited to finally be on the way. We had an easy flight from O'Hare to Vegas and used our Hilton points for a 1 bedroom room at the Grand Vacation property just off the strip. When we got there, we immediately went to the football stadium to watch UNLV vs. San Diego State and to see Corey. He got us up into our own suite with buffet service. Football wasn't great but Ally was wired after traveling all day so even though it was 10pm on her watch she was running all over the place.

We took Ally out on the strip to see the aquarium at the Mandalay Bay then to see the lions at the MGM. We also made a quick stop at M&M Wold so Ally could see all the different kinds of "potty candies" and pick out her own flavors. We went through the Old Downtown and checked out the Freemont Street Experience so watch all of the lights. Corey took us to some good restaurants and we got to drive through Red Rock Canyon which is very close to his house. Ally did not enjoy the water show at the Bellagio but she was very excited about all of the Elmo's and other characters she saw begging for money on the streets.

When we visited Corey at his office, they were setting up for the Professional Bull Riding championships so we saw a lot of real live cowboys coming in. The arena was full of dirt in the rodeo ring but we dint see any of the animals. We walked around the campus a little bit and the weather was great. Most of the students were bundled up but we just had jeans and sweatshirts on. Ally did great on a strange schedule and was very good about going to sleep in the hotel. Not a great eater but that's not unusual. She napped at Corey's house in the afternoons so it was nice to just hang out there for a little while and meet his two roommates.

Our flight home was a total disaster! We were scheduled to leave at 9:20 am but weather delays and then ultimately mechanical issues cancelled our flight. We should have been home by 3:30 local time but didn't end up even boarding a plane until 6:45 in Vegas. We ate all 3 meals in the airport and Ally napped and ran all over the place. She loved the people movers and we rode every one of them multiple times. She didn't sleep a wink on the flight home but she was content playing and watching movies. She finally fell asleep once we were on the shuttle at O'Hare back to the car around 1:30am. Karl and I both had to be at work for afternoon meetings so we pulled into the driveway at 5am and slept until about 9 before getting up and ready for work. We let Ally sleep in and thought it would be best to get her to school for lunch and nap at the regular time to help her adjust. Again, she did great but we were SO exhausted. Quick trip but well worth it!

Vegas Trip Photos

Thanksgiving Day in Pictures

We hosted our first Thanksgiving at our house in IL with Grandma Sharon, Grandpa Henry, Aunt Susie and the 3 dogs: Ella, Bob and Samantha.

Future Rockette

Now that Ally actually pays attention, I decided to introduce her to the Macy's parade again this year. Its one of my favorite events so I was hoping she would get excited too. As soon as she saw the Rockettes start their routine she got really into it. It was so funny and Karl quickly got his phone and start recording it. She may not be tall enough but maybe they will change their requirements 16 years from now.