We made our annual visit to see Santa and the Elves and the downtown Macy's today.

 Open open open open...

 This was our first year going on a weekend, and it was really, really crowded. Nevertheless, the kids had a great time visiting the Elf village. I was holding Penelope and her heart was racing with excitement.

 It was dark inside with lots of Christmas lights, so our pictures turned out blurry.

Anyway, on to the main event - Santa!

Can you see the girls getting a bit weary of the line to see him?

 The line actually moved pretty quickly and they all marched confidently in to see Santa. Zahra (who was missing shoes by this point) and Quinn sat right down, but Penelope had to be wrangled a bit. Quinn asked Santa for a "tutu with a bow" which is what he had planned to ask for. When it was Zahra's turn to say what she wanted she was a bit confused, looked around, spotted a Christmas tree, and blurted out - Tree! Penelope had no interest in speaking with the man in the red suit.

Macy's sells these gross, overpriced cookies as soon as you exit the Santa room, so this year I came prepared with our own, homemade cookies. Cookie break!

Of course, it wouldn't be a trip anywhere without at least one Yo Gabba Gabba friend in tow

Penelope ditched the cookie for a rice cake and was much happier. This girl does not like sweets!

 Finally, it was time to mail Santa a letter. Quinn wrote his own this year!

 He wrote, "I would like a tutu with a bow. Quinn"
We'll see if he gets it!