[R] Ellensburg, WA

Oh, how I do love Ellensburg. I know those towns we see on TV in Northern Exposure and Gilmore Girls do not exist in the real world, however, I get snatches of those perfect small-town moments living in Ellensburg.

Last night we walked downtown to the "Moments to Remember" holiday lighting festivities. We stopped at the coffee shop to get hot chocolates for the girls, ran into a couple friends, made our way to the Safeway parking lot for free cookies and cider, and the tree lighting ceremony. The girls were delighted to find two, yes TWO lighted, BIG John Deere tractors in the parking lot. So, we watched the lighting ceremony (note to Safeway -- thanks for the food, but you REALLY need some new lights for the tree), and then marched a couple blocks over to the main downtown lighting ceremony. Downtown was packed and we saw many familiar faces. Then, in one of the storefronts, there was a dance recital -- we couldn't see much, with the crowd -- but what a fun idea! The highlight of the evening was, perhaps, the live nativity scene in one of the alleyways. We were told this was something NOT to miss, despite fidgety kids and a very long wait in line. We were greeted at the ally by two roman soldiers (which we decided make very appropriate bouncers) who introduced the story. As we made our way through the alley, we were told the nativity story, complete with beggars of Bethlehem, real donkeys, goats, cows and really really good singers. It is so nice to see so many people putting so much love into their town. I hear Santa is in town this morning, so we're off to find him!!

R