Santa 2.0

Wow. Today was another epic afternoon for all things (pagan) Christmas season. I loved everything about it and even though we had all been awake since 4:45 am (WHY?? is it teeth again??), I was so giddy and excitable that I didn't feel tired. Kent was tired, even after a nap, but once he saw his friends again he was all giggles and squeals. They really do love each other. 

Volunteers were giving out hats and cookies. Kent liked the pompom and only tolerated wearing the hat for a kodak moment. 

The local school's band played all kinds of great Christmas music. 

There were hundreds of people streaming through town to get to the dock where Santa arrived on a boat. That was exciting for the people in the front row. We couldn't see much until he got on land and then there was a Moses-like parting of people to let him go by -- every kid waving and screaming SANTA!! and every parent trying to get a picture of their kids just at the right moment when he walked by. I wonder if the President feels like Santa sometimes.

Waiting and trying desperately to see Santa.

 Can you see him???

 How about now?

There were two horse-drawn carriages for rides around town. We opted out given the loooong line. Maybe next year when Kent appreciates the idea more.

We got out of the crowds on the dock to join the crowds on main street. We found hot chocolate, hot apple cider, cookies and cookies galore, popcorn, glow sticks, crafts (the older boys did those) -- all free. It was really unbelievable! Every business had something to offer and everyone was so merry and excited and hyped up. There were caricatures being done in the general store, and a photo booth in the music hall (again, all free for the public!). Kent and I got our first photo booth pictures. 

 My favorite!