Steeler Pride

First of all, we are quickly learning that you really shouldn't step outside of the house in Pittsburgh on Sunday, game day or not, without wearing the faithful black and gold. We certainly stick out like sore thumbs when we are out in public. We also nearly got run over in our neighborhood as we were driving this afternoon and someone was clearly racing home as the Steelers game had just started. Well, I can't say that I have joined the bandwagon, but looks like my family sure has: Scott and Jane were watching the final minutes of today's game. As I was in the kitchen, all I could hear was Jane yelling, "Go Steelers!" Jane was getting too nervous and needed to take a seat (note: even Teddy Bear is in on it!).

It was too much for Daddy to handle as he took a seat beside Jane.

Despite the Steelers loss, Jane kept upbeat, striking a pose implying, "There's always next week!"

Visit with Santa

With just one week until Santa is scheduled to visit our house, we decided that we better make a visit to him first so Jane could be sure he knew what she wanted for Christmas. On Saturday morning, we prepped Jane for the trip and asked her what she was going to ask Santa for. Her response: a red car. I said, "Oh, a car to push, that sounds like fun." Jane's response, "No, I drive." Oh boy - looks like we are in for it! So, after that shocking news, we bundled up and headed to the Phipps Conservatory (an indoor botanic garden where we spend a lot of our time) where Santa would be waiting for us. But not before we stopped by the train room to catch a glimpse of Jane's favorite display.
Shortly after arriving in the short line, Jane requested to sit on Daddy's shoulders so she could get a better look at Santa. Every few minutes she would point and exclaim with a smile on her face, "It's Santa!"

Jane waited very patiently for her turn, speaking of how she would say "hi" to Santa and sit on his lap just like the boys and girls before her. Next in line, Jane looked on suspiciously while holding Daddy's hand for support. And just then, Santa waved her up and said "Merry Christmas." Jane took two steps towards him, until Santa shook a loud bell, and Jane then leaped into her Daddy's arms while crying and screaming.

For proof of the visit, we decided to snag this shot of Jane safely behind Santa...but clearly not so sure.

Santa said a few pleasantries, including "I love you", to which Jane responded between sobs, "I wuv you too." After Santa said "Good Bye", Jane sobbed and said, "Thank you. Bye bye."

The whole way home, and even today, Jane has been talking about Santa and wants to go see him again. Not so sure that is a good idea, especially after we read, "The Night Before Christmas" for the millionth time in the past few weeks and Jane asked (for the first time), where is Santa's bell? Our tip to Santa - lose the bell and maybe you'll get a few more smiles.

Christmas "Treat"

As of recent days, our house has been full of words like snowman, snowflake, Santa "Cwaus", presents, and as of yesterday, Christmas "Treat". Though Jane knows this is a tree, I think she is confusing her holiday traditions as she has also been saying "Trick or Treat". Regardless, Jane helped pick out our tree yesterday and to her surprise when she woke up this morning, her Christmas "Treat" was in our house and waiting to be decorated!

She was very helpful in decorating herself (note above photo) as well as helping Daddy put on the lights, but not without warning, "Lights are hot. No touch!"

Next, it was an adventure when we dove into the ornaments and discovered what was inside the boxes. Above she is examining one of her favorites - a snow globe with her name on it! Let's put it on the tree:

Several times since decorating the tree, Jane has exclaimed, "It's so pretty!" We'll see if she actually leaves the ornaments on the tree. Next on our holiday agenda - meet Santa. We'll keep you posted on that meet and greet!