Santa Paws...

We have a long standing tradition of heading to Downtown Bryan for their annual Lights On! event. People from BCS gather around the square and wait for a very special guest to arrive to turn on the lights. Kids and parents are treated to musical performances by local choirs and bands and our crew got a front row seat to enjoy the festivities. 

Not pictured: Emersyn DIRECTING the kids sitting down in an attempt to get them to singalong. 

The big guy finally arrived to do the honors! In this situation one would assume that Elvis had just entered the room. Kids are screaming, crying, jumping up and down to get his attention, begging for a high five and a piece of candy. Chaos ensues as Santa walks away... 

We obviously couldn't leave without a picture in our shorts, skirts and Santa shirts because, well.. it's Texas and still hot outside. We actually almost missed the celebration, Emersyn had stayed home sick all day but rallied in the afternoon and begged to still go. 

Turns out she was just feeling the power of children's Motrin and crashed halfway through dinner. Luckily Ryan got off work in time to come pick her up and put her to bed early. The rest of us enjoyed some not-so-good-for-you but delicious Mexican food before heading home. 

The next morning these two headed to their school with me for the annual Paws to the Pavement! I love that our school hosts a free event for the community. Any and everyone can register for free and shirts are free for all the kids - it's such an incredible way to encourage getting out as a family!

As I watched Landry I was immediately taken back to being the littlest of three. All the "big kids" knew who she was and she just thought that was the most awesome thing ever. I did, too... I mean...

Of course I made them pose for too many pictures and they clearly loved every second of it... 

and then they all lined up for the big 1K event... 

taking the race VERY seriously... 

and speeding by me lightening fast. I mean, look at the hair. 

Rad told me he kept his pace slow since he was also going to run the 5K. 

 I don't actually know if Landry ran or giggled more. 

But she was pretty precious to watch. 

And only a little out of breath at the end. 

We had a great Saturday morning with friends and came home with a new shiny medal and lots of fun memories!