Vinings Jubilee Tree Lighting

Because Maisie doesn’t have school tomorrow…or for the rest of 2010 for that matter, tonight we were able to head over to Vinings Jubilee to watch the Vinings’ 40th Annual Christmas Tree lighting.

Maisie was obviously a bit tired on the way over as she crashed out in the car and slept for about half an hour.

Maisie in front of the tree.

Today it got really cold so we were both bundled up in our warmest coats.

Maisie loved riding on the reindeer ponies.

All the merchants at Vinings Jubilee provided food and drinks so Maisie and I sampled cookies, cake, candy, soup, cider, chips, dips & cocoa.  There was also pizza, cupcakes and appetizers of various sorts which we passed on…obviously we only went for the really “healthy” stuff  ;-)  Here’s Maisie after a good amount of sugar, a very happy girl.

The balloon man  suggested to Maisie that a flower hat would look lovely with her coat to which she replied, “thank you but I’d prefer a candy cane because it’s not summer it’s Christmas.”   I don’t think that he was quite expecting that response but he obliged and made a candy cane for her.

My girl and her Christmas candy cane.

They also had a little train ride and though it was at the very end of the evening and well past Maisie’s bedtime, Maisie really wanted to take a ride and patiently waited in the extremely long queue and was thrilled with the little ride. 

Maisie with her candy cane in front of the lit tree.

Earlier in the evening Maisie sat on Santa’s lap and told him what she wanted but only the professional photographer was allowed to take a picture of that meeting.  But just before Santa left for the evening we were able to snag a picture.

We had a really good time tonight but were both happy to get into the car and turn the heat on as we were chilled to the bone.  On the drive home Maisie told me that Santa loves all children, even the naughty ones.  I said yes but the naughty ones don’t get presents from Santa.  Maisie then said that they get coal and that’s sort of like a present because you can draw with coal.  I asked her if she wanted coal and she told me that she’s been a good girl and would prefer a good gift.  I have to agree as Maisie has been a great girl this year and deserves a wonderful gift from Santa, which I know she’ll receive.  She then told me that she wished that we lived in Aruba because it’s warm there all the time.  Maisie is definitely my daughter, two days of cold weather and we’re both chomping at the bit to get out of town.  In just over 36 hours Maisie and I will be dipping our toes in warm waters of Aruba…Not that I’m counting the hours or anything.  Maisie, along with my tired and cold bones can’t wait!