Christmas lights

One of my favorite parts of Christmas are the lights. I absolutely love them! I was so excited to hear that while we were there, the famous Broadmor Hotel would be having their 90th Christmas lighting ceremony! With the snow on the ground it really felt like Christmas!

We bundled the boys up and headed out there early Saturday evening. It was very cold, especially for Florida boys! We walked around the inside of the hotel for some time and looked at all of their pretty Christmas trees and gingerbread house displays, and then headed outside just before the lighting ceremony was to take place.


Nathan was so excited and was glued to the firepits they had outside to keep everyone warm. Of course Dan was too. As the ceremony began, there was a parade of musicians and acrobats, and even a comedian to announce Santa. He stood on the balcony of one of their hotel rooms and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and turned on the lights. I couldn't help but capture my dad holding Nathan waiting for the lights. It was so precious!


After the lighting, Santa moved downstairs where the kids could sit on his lap. Nathan was thrilled and asked over and over to sit on his lap. We went and got some hot chocolate and stood in line. The hotel had the line thing figured out, and had all sorts of entertainment throughout the building. It was perfect for our 30 min to see Santa. I was sure that Nathan would chicken out, and not sit on his lap, but sure enough he ran right up to him. In fact, the elves had to stop him twice from running thru the line and stealing the spotlight from the other kids. He did so well, and was awestruck by Santa. He did manage to get out that he wanted a train for Christmas. I have a feeling Santa will pull through!

As we left the hotel that evening Dan and I reflected on our time there. It was so beautiful and romantic. We even talked about coming back just the two of us for another evening where we could just be together. Yet, in spite of the beautiful scenery, one of the most spectacular sights was experiencing it with our children. It would not have been half as much with without them. Seeing Nathan's excitement over the lights, the fire, and Santa was priceless, and made me so thankful for him! There have been many times in the last several years, where Dan and I both have thought of all the things we could do if we hadn't had our boys so early in life. I think we are finally maturing and realizing that life would not be nearly as full or as fun!