The Polar Express

We travelled up to ride the Polar Express out of Sacramento again this year because we loved it so much last year.

The timing worked out perfectly - it was a great way to celebrate the last day of school before the Christmas break.  Luke was dismissed at 11am, so we picked him up and left for the drive up north.  Day and Paw joined us this year, as did Aunt Louisa and Uncle Patrick (who live near to Sacramento in Roseville).

First stop, the Sacramento Railroad Museum (amazing place, by the way.  We need to spend more time visiting there).

Luke and Mia loved the model train area the best.  They spent lots of time watching the trains go around and controlling the lighting that simulated day and night.

Settled into our seats on the Polar Express ... in pajamas (just like in the book).

The story is read aloud on the train as we travel towards the North Pole.

Then came the hot chocolate and cookies.

And finally, our arrival at the North Pole

When the train turns around to return to Sacramento, Santa comes aboard and gives all of the children a bell from one of his reindeer's harnesses.

 

It is such a magical and fun time of the year, and being able to experience it through the eyes of children makes it even more special.

Luke's Kindergarten Christmas show

St. Martin's put on a beautiful Christmas program, full of music and singing.  The Kindergarten class dressed in costumes from the night of Jesus' birth, and sang several songs.

Luke was a shepherd, a very highly regarded part, apparently.  After seeing the props when we arrived at school, I realized why not all boys in the classroom were cut out to be shepherds.

 The class practicing one last time in their classroom before the show begins.

It was so hard for me to get a good photo of the cutest shepherd without standing up in the middle of the audience (which I was tempted to do!).  This is the best I could get.

A REAL Big Girl Bed

Mia received an early birthday present from Mommy, Daddy, Day, and Paw this month.  We decided a while back that it would be so nice if Mia were to have my old twin bed from when I was a little girl.  My parents still had it in their storage area.  So, Day and Paw offered to have it sanded and refinished for Mia's 3rd birthday.  Michael went out to get a mattress, and I went shopping for lots of pretty, girly bedding.  When the furniture guy called to let me know that the bed was ready, we knew that we would pick it up and present it to Mia before her birthday.

 

She calls it her "princess bed." 

And that, it is!  A bed fit for a princess.

Completed with tulle and bows - so girly

Tree Hunting

This year we had every intention of heading into the Santa Cruz mountains to cut down our Christmas tree.  After we were rained out twice, it became more important that we got A tree, and not where we obtained said tree. 

With that in mind, we went for a fun dinner out and then out to choose (not cut!) our tree.

To be honest, the kids seemed much more excited about the silly photo props and ride-on trolley (that DOESN'T move!), than picking the actual tree.

 

They did, however, enjoy watching the lower limbs be taken off and the tree stand put on.  Of course, Luke decided that they looked like perfect reindeer antlers!

 

 

 On our way home

Home with the tree



Happy, excited kids

Mandala Christmas show

This year it was Mia's turn to participate in Mandala's Holiday performance.  If you remember, Luke spent three years at Mandala and never once did any more than stand up on the stage and look around like everyone was just crazy.  We assumed, given Mia's personality, that she would be different ... but one can never be sure (I thought that by Luke's 3rd preschool show he would at least move his mouth!).

So, we had big expectations for Mia, and she delivered to some extent.  There certainly was not the showmanship that we see at home, but at least she stood up there and sang :)!  She looked darling, Mommy cried (of course), and Luke was a very proud big brother.

And ... the Christmas celebrations begin

We only were home from Cabo for one day before we dove right into celebrating the Christmas season.  It was actually really nice to have the holiday season to look forward to as we were ending such a wonderful week in paradise.

So, up first was the San Jose Country Club kids' Christmas party:

The season's first meeting with Santa - Mia was a bit unsure



 Luke, on the other hand, had no problem telling Santa what he wants this year:  "A rocketship"

(not sure exactly what his expectations are on that one ... we'll have to work on that)

Of course, there were fun little treats,

 and lots of sweets.



Daffy Dave entertained the kids after dinner and Santa.  As you can see, Luke and Mia thought he was just about the funniest guy ever!

I think that this one was all partied out by the end of the night - she didn't even notice that her headband was a bit out of place.

Thank you, Day and Paw, for treating us to such a fun evening again this year.  It was a great way to kick off the holidays!