Behind the Scenes

Here is what really happened when Ava met Santa. Classic….

Santa Claus and the Kiddos

This year we took the kids to the Yankee Candle Factory for their annual visit with Santa. We started off with a delicious dinner at Carrabba's with Mariner and Grady, then over to see the big man. It was a long wait, but worth it (I think). Wyatt was so overwhelmed by everything, especially the toy trains, that he was totally beside himself and the second Ava's butt hit Santa's lap she burst in to tears. Once the two of them calmed down a bit we captured a few nice moments. Wyatt proclaimed to Santa that he wanted a firetruck. Christmas tradition - Check - Mission accomplished.

Wyatt's First Christmas Play

Wyatt's preschool had a Christmas play for all the children in his school. Wyatt made his theatrical debut as the camel, and what a cute camel he was!

Day Out with Thomas & Then Some...

For Wyatt's birthday this year we decided to try something a little different. An adventure in lieu of a party. Wyatt is OBSESSED with trains! All things puffing, chuffing and chugging thrill him. What better way to let him explore this passion than to visit Strasburg, PA for a Day Out with Thomas. The day began very early on Saturday as Mommy, Daddy, Mariner, Grady & Ava piled in with the birthday boy and headed north. 4 hours later we met Mimi (the-great), Granma, Papa, Aunt Jenny, Aunt Jackie, Lil'Chris, Cameron, Callie, Aunt Darla and Mary at Issac's for some of the best deli sandwiches we've ever had! Then it was on the the main event...

They had all kinds of activities to keep the kids excited as they waited for our turn to ride Thomas. Push cars, mini trains and gift shops. Not to mention the real steam engines moving around us.

The Thomas ride was short, but worth it for Wyatt. He had his nose glued to the glass the whole time. On the way out Granma snagged a small piece of coal from the train and Wyatt has treasured it ever since. He tells me "this is a real piece of coal from the real Thomas!" After the train Jackie and I stood in line with the kids to see Sir Topham Hat, it was freezing, the kids were cold and tired and OMGosh when we finally made it to see the man he had a scary, big, plastic head costume on and Wyatt was too scared to even go near him!

One major melt down later (Wyatt) and we were on our way to the hotel. I booked us a few rooms at the Best Western near by. It was so neat driving there as we passed by many Amish farms and people riding in their horse drawn buggies. Dinner was at the Red Caboose. The service was less than great, but Wyatt loved it and as much as I wished we'd skipped this all together, he talks about it all the time now that we are home. The simplest things always seem to make the biggest impression on that kid.

That night back at the hotel room we celebrated the birthday boy! The grandmothers came through with Thomas the Train decorations and cake! Then it was pool time to work off all that sugar. After a full day all the kiddos crashed, except Ava. She'd had a little cat nap after dinner and at about 11pm decided that she had all the sleep she needed. UGH! John took her until 1:30am, then I had her until 3:30 when she FINALLY fell asleep.

During that time me and my restless baby went out to the lobby. As I strolled down the hallway (in my pajamas and looking a hot mess) the night desk attendant popped out. A nice older man who clearly thought I was a teenager out to cause some trouble until he realized it was just us. This nice guy turned on the lobby TV and the fireplace, brought out some oatmeal cookies and a high chair for Ava - what a God send this was. We talked for a moment until he went back to the desk. A few moments later the same guy re-appears wearing a black, leather cowboy hat, jacket, motorcycle gloves and sunglasses. What??? He then sat down with us and began reciting "A Monster at the End of this Book" in the voice of Elmo. I'll never know who looked more confused, Me or Ava. But yeah, that happened!

The next day started with a yummy continental breakfast then off to the Toy Train Museum. I have to say, it was pretty cool! Shelves and shelves of toy trains then a huge room of animated, moving trains that the kids could touch buttons beside to make displays move or light up.

Wish I had more to say after this, but the weather outside was 22 degrees and the wind was harsh so we all decided to call it a day and head for home. One day I'd love to take the kids back to the Railroad Museum to see the real, life size trains and a tour of one of the Amish farms, but that will have to wait for another adventure!

Thank you to all the family that came with us. We love you!

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On Wyatt's real birthday he got a special birthday/Christmas gift from Marnier and Grady… His first job with his new car was to take the pumpkins out in to the woods for the deer to eat. Looks like this may come in handy for all of us!