Santa!

 

Today was our big day of the week!  Grammie Pt. took some time off from work to join us this morning for the Polar Express holiday extravaganza at our library. It was quite the site to see as about 25 kiddos ages 3-5 (yes, they were a little young but tried really hard to fit right in) listen to the Polar Express story.

 

Following the story they then went on a “train ride” (complete with cardboard trains to drive around) to the North Pole where they had a meet and greet with “the real Santa” as Aiden and Chris called him.  The boys were a bit timid and decided it was safer to stand next to Santa than to sit on his lap. They listed all of the construction trucks they wished for and Chris added in his request for an orange Crammie Kitty (just like Grammie and Dzaidzu’s cat). The boys were amazed that Santa knew their names (and were clueless that he was reading it from their name tags!)

They then enjoyed some cocoa and cookies and a craft project and by the time the event was over, they had warmed up enough to him that they went back to say hello and share some high-fives! Thanks Grammie for joining us!!!

Following our visit to the North Pole we headed home and started our cookie baking project.  More details to come this weekend when we have them finished. Mid-day we headed to Conway, MA for a visit with my old friends from Umass.  It was so nice to see everyone and although Aiden and Chris took a minute to warm up, they made themselves right at home in no time.  Anne’s home is so warm and cozy, the food was delicious and it was nice to catch up. The boys were thrilled to see the Schillings and Chris took quite a liking to Lauren (Lauren – he told me on the way home that he liked you so much because he loved your sweater.  Do you think I can borrow it, lol?) I am so lucky to still have worked with such an amazing group of people.

Other happenings this week:  We had a Santa spotting at the Enfield mall on Monday.  A & C took a quick peak but weren’t able to work up the courage to say hello, even from afar.  They were in “frozen” mode, not moving an inch and in complete awe (although that Santa looked like a 21 year old hung over child himself). The boys and I did some shopping together.  In our attempt to pick out an xmas gift for Daddy, A & C somehow came home with stuffed animals that they quickly called their own.  Maybe next year, Daddy…..I braved the Holyoke Mall with my friend Leeanne and am officially almost all done shopping.  Mamie brought A & C shopping and to McDonalds on Tuesday and the boys were in great spirits, really enjoying their time with her.

More cooking baking tonight and again tomorrow.  5 pounds of butter down, 5 more to go…..YUCK.  Thankfully, none of these goodies will be staying at our house!