Celebrating Christmas in DC: National Tree and Santa in DC

We started a tradition when Tyler was a baby.  One evening in December we head to the city to see the National Christmas Tree and Santa's Workshop.  Some years we add other things into the day.  This is not one of those kinds of years. Our team of six + Nana (my mom) drove into D.C. just as the sun was setting over the National Monument.  I have spent the majority of my life here and never grow tired of the D.C. skyline or spending time in our nation's capital.

The tree looked spectacular and the train set up this year was fabulous.  When the tree came into Elie's vision she squealed and awed at such a large Christmas tree.  All four children pressed their faces to the rod iron fence and gazed in amazement at the trains as paced by, again and again and again.  They would look for about five minutes and then shuffle down a few paces and gaze again.  We repeated this pattern all the way around the tree.  And then each child received a penny to throw into the open car of the train passing by.  We wondered once again what happens to all of that money thrown at the trains.  We scoured through all the state trees until we found the one dedicated to Virginia.  As we passed by the Connecticut tree, I caught my breath at the sight of teddy bears set at the foot of the tree and a sign saying, "we will miss you".  This weekend's celebrations seemed so precious in light of all that has happened in the past week.

 Our next stop was to Santa's Workshop set up each year next to the national tree.  This Santa is always so wonderful, the lines are never too long, and the pictures are free.  win, win, win.  You can see on Elie's face that she did not know quite what to think about being placed on this strange man's lap.  The boys expressed their desire for Lego toys because you know we only have an entire trunk full of them already.  And the Faith told Santa she wants a beyblade.  I think this is because she is not allowed to play with her brothers.  True to the way things roll around here, Elie copied what Faith said.  In so many ways she is often plays the role of the younger sister.
The weather was just perfect this year.  There have been times we have dressed the kids in their snowsuits just to stay warm on this adventure.  But this year they started peeling the coats off.  Especially after a rousing game of tag with their Nana.  Which, by the way, I would like to pay notice to that fact.  My four children are blessed to have a Nana that is not only capable of playing tag but also loves every minute of it.




After all that running the team was ready for something to eat.  We discovered a  new favorite.  District Taco 
Super yummy and super affordable for a crowd of seven hungry bellies.  And the best part is these long tables where our whole family could eat together!  + one new friend that we made who was also a newbie at DT.  I think District Taco has made its way into our yearly tradition

This picture is blurry but I love it.  Last year during our visit to the tree, Tyler said he wished that Elie could have been there.  It is a crazy miracle that this year our downtown adventure included one more little girl.  One more precious soul to care for.  One more joyous face to watch in amazement of the wonder of Christmas. So thankful that she is home this year for Christmas.  So thankful that God chose us to be her family.