Action packed Thanksgiving week

Claire had a very busy holiday week.  It all started last Saturday when we took the little lovebug shopping for a Christmas dress.  It was a little chilly out so we made sure she was all bundled up.

We ended up at Macy's on Chestnut and it just so happened that they were having a huge Christmas kickoff celebration.  They had arts and crafts, carolers, choirs, bands, a light show, and even a sneak peek of Santa.  You'll never guess who we ran into there...

 The Phanatic!!

 He really loved Claire's boots :)

 So jealous Claire got a pic with him....I don't even have a pic with him!

After hanging with the Phanatic, Claire caught sight of the awesome light show they have there every year.

 She really couldn't take her eyes off of it.

It is pretty cool.

On Sunday, we walked over to check out the Philadelphia Marathon.  We hoped to be inspired to get back into running but seeing everyone limping away from the finish line had the opposite effect on me. I'm pretty sure Claire missed her chance to ever see mommy finish a marathon.  At least she got to see plenty of other people finish on Sunday.

Mommy and Daddy both had the day off on Monday so we took Claire to the Italian market for the first time.

One of daddy's favorite places.  He got lots of stuff.

Claire and mommy waited outside of one of those stinky meat places while daddy shopped.

"Eww look at all of those nasty meats behind me."

On Thursday, we took Claire to her first ever parade - the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the country - right here in Philly.

 Claire stayed awake for most of it.

Even had a few laughs with Nana.

But of course she fell asleep before getting to see the guest of honor.

Santa!

And Mrs Clause too :)

After the parade we went to Claire's cousins house for Thanksgiving dinner.  Here's little Lilly with Grammie.

Lilly's already sharing with Claire.  She let her play on her playmat for a while.  Claire of course found Lilly's mirror. 

She couldn't stop looking at herself as always.

After dinner on Thursday, we drove down to Ocean City to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with some of Claire's other cousins.  We took a walk on the boardwalk on Friday.  The weather was gorgeous.

Stopped for some pizza at lunch. 

But who needs pizza?

After lunch, mommy had to get some ice cream at Kohr Bros.  It was so nice out, lots of other people must've felt the same way.  We had to wait in line for over 15 minutes (which is a long time when you're waiting for ice cream :)).

Once back at the beach house, Claire got to meet a new friend.

 Claire meet Winnie.

Winnie gave her lots of kisses.  Claire didn't seem to mind though.

I think they're gonna be buddies. 

On Saturday, Santa was hanging out on the boardwalk so we took her up so she could finally meet him.  

The line was so long to meet Santa, we had some time to hang on the beach for a little with big cousins Grace, Maddie, and Luke.

Oh and daddy too.

45 minutes later, it was our turn to jump in the lifeguard boat with Santa.  We weren't sure how Claire would react since she wasn't in the best of moods.  First Grace and Maddie jumped in the boat.  Then Luke got to sit on Santa's lap.  And Claire was last.  She did surprisingly well.  I don't think she even realized who's lap she was on.  She gave her usual serious little scowl but didn't cry.  Unfortunately, Luke was not such a fan.

After another big feast on Saturday night, we had to head back to Philly to see little Lilly on her big Christening day.

After such a busy week, someone's happy to hang on the couch with daddy.