Santa Claus Attempt #1~Silver Dollar City

 

As part of our entry into the Run to the Lights 5k we ran a few weeks ago, we also received a one-day ticket to Silver Dollar City in Branson.  With the craziness of December, we realized that last night was really one of the only days we would have to visit. So...we headed out to see all the beautiful lights, have some hot chocolate, & have a quality night with the family. 

 

I'm not going to lie, the afternoon started off a little chaotic, and Elyse has been a little irritable (I'm thinking it's teeth) so I struggled being very festive much of the night.  However, it was a beautiful night for a visit & while it was a little busier than we had hoped we still had a great time. 

 

Hubby's #1 priority was to visit Santa for the first time...so that was first on our agenda!  The photo is priceless so I'll be saving it for the very end...

Momma & Elyse after visiting Santa!  It wa sso warm Elyse didn't really even need a coat...and I certainly didn't need the coat I was wearing.  There was so much going on that it was hard to get Elyse to focus for a photo...just how it's going to be with an almost 1 year old.

 I just love all the lights SDC puts up each year...you can't hardly help but be in the Christmas spirit if you have a chance to visit!

Elyse really wanted Hubby's hot chocolate...so much so that he ended up throwing it away because it was simply too hot for her & she was NOT happy about not getting a drink!

Elyse was fascinated by the giant tree on the square...it was easier to get a picture of our backs than it was of her looking at the camera with the tree in the background!

The best we could do for a family photo...Elyse was TIRED and was done! 

We stayed until 8:00 when the Parade of Lights comes through...which is one of my favorite parts! 

And back to the Santa picture...we were really hoping she would be ok, but no such luck!  We now have the official obligatory "screaming child" Santa picture.  Yes, we're those parents who get joy out of seeing their child screaming while on the lap of a fully bearded, large man dressed in red & white. 

 

We have a few other Santa experiences planned before Christmas...we'll see if her ideas about Santa change at all!  ha!