This morning the kids twisted my arm to skip the gym! So homemade french toast sticks, Christmas music and a project were on our menu. We tackled paper plate Santa’s. It was so cute. They each loved counting the cotton balls and gluing them on. I really was impressed at how much “better” they both have gotten. Crawford pretty much did everything but the cutting himself.
I think they are adorable (both the pic above and below!).
Both of my kids are obsessed with Rudolf these days. Imagine their delight when Crawford’s class made antlers and got red noses. Bo picked them up and said that Conlee’s jaw hit the floor when she saw Crawford. Thank you Ms. Kat for giving Con a red nose too!
This is what my 2 year old is doing – drawing on her face. You can guarantee that Crawford was egging this one on.
After a grueling (but rewarding) battle with the Outlet Malls – we headed out for what brought us to Branson – our ride on the Polar Express.
We were on the 6:30 train – so we hit Cantina Laredo (my favorite) for a bite. I love any place that does table side guac.
Apparently so does Con.
And then, we headed to the train. I planned this with Allison – so Crawford was really excited when Garon showed up!
The Conductor and the “waiters” in their uniforms. They did an amazing job in keeping to the theme of the movie.
As you walked to your train car – there was a snow blower. You felt like you were in the North Pole.
Of course, the entire thing is based on the movie – so the kids wore their Christmas pj’s.
Look at these 4!
And these 4. Not sure who’s cuter :)
The kids (especially Conlee) LOVED it.
They read the story over the intercom and brought the book around. Then it was time – the song Hot Chocolate came on. Let the booty shaking begin!
Then what else? Hot chocolate.
And cookies.
The conductor came to take tickets.
He “punched” him like the Tom Hanks character. The kids eyes were literally lit up.
After riding by the “elves” (kids dressed up doing gymnastics), we picked up a passenger at the North Pole. Santa came and gave all of the kids bells.
Book it now, I’ll be back next year. I felt like a kid as I experienced it through my kids’ eyes.
In lieu of a gazillion presents this year, my entire family decided to take a trip to Branson for some Holiday cheer.
Sue-Sue and I headed out Friday morning and hit the Landing in time for lunch. We love the pizza place – the kids get to make their own (like play dough).
We then headed to the best kept secret in Branson. The Villas at Payne Stewart’s golf course. We had a 4 bedroom/4 bath that was huge. The rest of the gang (Babe, Pops, J-J, Sue-Sue and Matt) showed up around 1:30. When the kids woke up – we made it back to the Landing in time to listen to Mrs. Claus read some Christmas stories. M-A-G-I-C-A-L!
While we ladies checked out some shops, the men hung with the kids at the playground.
Babe and Pops made us an amazing dinner. But before it got too dark – Crawford just had to go to the course to play a round :) He remembered this from this summer!
I can tell you – these kids are well on their way to being spoiled rotten this weekend! I mean they have both sets of grandparents under one roof. Bo and I really feel blessed that we are one big family (vs. our individual).
