Bubbles with Santa

Last year, my mom wanted to try the Christmas Village in Stone Mountain, Georgia. So, we loaded up the family and drove our baby to see Santa. We had so much fun immersed in the shows and parades and s'mores and twinkle lights and the train ride with sing along carols that we decided it had to become an annual trip.

One year later, we took a busy toddler back to see Santa. This was a very different trip, one in which we pushed an empty stroller while C ran around, touching lights, catching bubbles, and playing with a light up wand she needed. I've said it before and I'll say it again - this age is so much fun! I am loving this holiday season!

We arrived a bit earlier this year since she was old enough to enjoy some of the activities. We visited the Coca-Cola polar bear first. He was a huge hit, being fuzzy and all. She hugged him and petted his fur. She did not want to leave him.

We then went to a short little musical about misfit toys. It was sparkly and there was singing and dancing and bubbles. We even took C to meet the dolly after the show and the actress was so sweet. 

Speaking of bubbles, we happened upon a bubble show while waiting for the parade to start. Bubbles rank at the top of the list of things that make C happy 100% of the time. 

Now that we were veterans, we knew just where to stand for the parade and, as soon as Santa arrived, we were at the front of the line! She wasn't entirely thrilled with Santa this year. She didn't cry, but she was cautious. I'm blaming it on the lack of fuzzy coat like last year. Did he not get the memo about C's obsession with all things fuzzy? Despite her apprehension, we got some pretty cute shots of she and the big guy.

She was able to enjoy the candy cane this year and she was not letting go!

We spent the rest of the evening walking through the village of lights, eating delicious treats, and riding the train, where C fell asleep to the soothing sound of carols being sung by a train full of children. Life is good.

Merry Christmas!

A Very Merry November

Each year, Christmas seems to creep closer and closer into November, infiltrating the cornucopia centerpieces with silver bells and gingerbread scented candles. While I love giving thanks for Squanto's farming lessons and stuffing my face with cornbread dressing until I no longer can (because I've eaten it all), I adore Christmas. It's shiny and magical and it's impossible not to smile while listening to Christmas carols by a twinkling tree, drinking hot chocolate, and watching George Bailey stumble through the snow until he realizes how precious finding petals in his pocket really is.

So, even though we have yet to celebrate the day of thanks, the family headed to Stone Mountain Park this weekend to walk among the twinkling lights, roast s'mores by the fire, and most importantly, watch C meet Santa for he very first time.

We waited in line for what seemed like hours (but was realistically somewhere around 45 minutes) for what I was sure would be a picture of C screaming in a strange man's lap. We made our way to the front of the line, stripped down C's layers to find her adorable Christmas dress (thanks, Aunt Ryan) and optimistically placed her in Santa's lap. She turned around slowly, touched his fuzzy sleeves, and smiled so big! What a fun surprise!

It really was such a fun night. Cheesy? Yes. But, so wonderful. After our visit with Santa, we grabbed some dinner, enjoyed some s'mores, and boarded the train where we sang Christmas carols and listened to the story of Christmas. C was wide eyed well past her bedtime, taking it all in. The night ended with fire works and C finally closed her little eyes as we walked to the car. This will definitely be a new family tradition.

Merry Christmas!