Getting into the spirit

It was fitting that we watched The Polar Express on Friday night, because Saturday was our Breakfast with Santa event and this year's theme was, surprise surprise, The Polar Express. So I wasn't left scratching my head and wondering why the kids were all told to come dressed in their pajamas. (On a disappointing side note, I have finally gotten screwed by eBay; I ordered Liam pajamas to match the ones Mallory is wearing here from eBay on November 2 and they aren't here yet - because the seller sat on them for almost three weeks before shipping them out! Still hoping they get here by Christmas!) The breakfast was a lot of fun. Last year when we went, we were given a paper bag with a pop tart and a Kool Aid Jammer to eat - not exactly a great breakfast. This year the event was sponsored by McDonald's so it was hot cakes and apple slices all around. That was followed by the usual round of activities: Snowman bowling...

Christmas crafts... I think this one was making a gift bag to wrap a present in...

And the biggest hit of all... the model railroad club had a display set up that we could not tear Liam away from. I think next year we'll have to get one of those trains that you set up around your Christmas tree (maybe I will even start looking when things go on clearance after Christmas this year - let me know if you see any cool ones out there!) As a result of his obsession with the train, we very nearly missed getting our photo with Santa - we were the second last ones in line and Santa hot-footed it out of there when he was done. I had to pay to get the photo the on-site photographer took, but I am pleased to say that mine (pictured above) turned out better... and at least the $ went to charity with this one.

There was not a lot for Mallory to do, activity-wise, but I think she enjoyed the lights and watching all the kids, and here she is snacking on pancakes, which she really seemed to like. I fear we are not really all that different from KFC Gravy Mom after all.