Growing Up in the White House: January 2013

Santa 2012

Cohen says:

I started realizing this year that there are a lot of different Santa's out there. You see them at all the malls, on tv, and even in parades. In case anyone is wondering, these are all Santa's assistants since there is no way he could possibly be available to everyone. Luckily, Callie and I get to see the REAL santa each year. He's just a Polar Express (monorail-style) ride away!

Can't wait to see Santa!

Can't wait to ride the train!

Can't wait for a candy cane!

For our big ~~North Pole~~ Westlake trip this year, our baby cousin Landen, Auntie She-She, and Grammy came with us. Since this was Landen's first Santa trip, he was pretty excited and nervous, so we had to show him the ropes.

Probably could put this on brochures

Part of the fun each year is that we get to go by the Space Needle, and even though the pictures that Erin and Korey (yup, you heard me) make us pose for are kind of repetitive, I still get excited to see it. It wasn't until just recently that I learned that people can actually go up a space-style elevator to the top of the Space Needle, so that's definitely on the agenda for an upcoming trip. And if some fine dining accompanies, well, great (Yep, I've definitely been watching Top Chef: Seattle with Korey).

On a side note:

To the owners/operators of the monorail, if you are really looking for a "Polar Express" type feel for your clients, some hot chocolate along the 90 second ride would be superb. No one said this is what you are going for, but, I'm always looking to help a local business with my brilliant business mind.

Did the Space Needle shrink?

Nope, it's still way up there!

Goofy shot.

Serious shot.

I've gotta say that Santa and his workshop were in top form this year. While I would credit the short wait times to our weekday appointment, the cookies were warm and extra sugary, and Santa was completely ready for us. He always remembers our names from the previous year, but I was extra surprised that he knew Landen was coming too!

We told him that I want a lego Batmobile and a Monster Truck, and that Callie wants not one, but TWO (2) blue dresses, and a pink whale. Daddy tried to bargain for a winning Mariners season in 2013, but I figured that if he wanted to ask Santa, he'd have to pony up and sit on his lap too. That didn't happen.

Captain Cohen (at the back of the train)

Waiting patiently (kind of)

Scenery.

Landen and Auntie She-She preparing to board

Santa! I know him!

All said, it was a pretty successful trip to see Santa. Since we're retro-blogging this, I could tell you whether or not we got what we asked for, but I'll leave that suspense for another update. Would be terrible for business if we gave away all the secrets and didn't keep people coming back!