The Christmas Season

On Christmas Eve, I wanted to take the kids to Carillon Park to see the lights and holiday events there.  I found out the park was closed that evening, and felt a little bummed about missing that event.  But, after a little thought, I realized we were able to fit in so many fun things to fill us with Christmas spirit this season.  After all, we need to leave something for next year.  :)

We had breakfast with Santa in early November.  Each of the kids even had a hug for Santa.  I'm so glad I captured their hugs!

We bundled up and went to the Horse Parade in Greenville right before Thanksgiving.  Mandy, Nora, grandma, Vera & I went to a Christmas show in Van Wert right after Thanksgiving.  It was a lovely show with awesome singing and performing.  

 Perhaps the highlight of the season was a trip to The Polar Express in Connorsville, Indiana.  Santa dropped off 5 tickets and a note on our Christmas tree telling us to be ready for the train ride the following evening.  The kids were super excited to travel to the North Pole to visit Santa.

Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot chocolate!

The conductor punched the kids' initials in their tickets.

Santa!  He came aboard, talked to each child, and gave them the first gift of Christmas, a Polar Express bell, just like the movie.  The kids were very excited that they were able to hear the bell.

Vinners was pretty tired toward the end, and we were starting to feel crowded after sitting and riding for 2 hours.  It was a long drive home, and the kids were sound asleep soon after we started driving.  Fun memories!