Visiting Santa

The Shops at Riverwoods is amazing at Christmas time. There are millions of lights, fun shopping, good food, Waffle Luv (the latest food truck fad), Santa, and free horse carriage rides. We went last night to eat dinner at Malawi's Pizza, and got there right before Santa, waited a few minutes and didn't have to wait in line! Last year was a tragedy meeting Santa...and unfortunately this year was not very different. 

Last week we were at Riverwoods and we walked past Santa and we stood there for a minute so Livy could see Santa, see the other kids with Santa and kind of prepare her to meet him. Then all week we talked about how 'Santa is nice', and 'Santa is happy'. We practiced conversations with Santa, I would ask her her name, how old she was, and what she wanted for Christmas. 

So when we met Santa she did great, while I was holding her. She told Santa she wanted "princesses" for Christmas. Then he showed her his gloves, and his 'pretty ring'. When I put her in his lap for a few pictures that's when she lost it. But it made for some good pictures.  

Then we were also the first ones in line to go on a "walking horses" ride. Livy was in heaven. We got the seat closest to the horses, so she was able to watch them closely the entire time. She was so happy. When we came to a stop and had to get off, she just screamed and cried and was beside herself. She did not want to get off. But then they told her she could go touch the horses, so then she was happy. Our little drama queen. We had such a fun night. It was the perfect night to get ready for the holidays.