Pre Christmas festivities

Lots of fun things to do in December to get ready for Christmas!

 Decorating Allie's tree.  I found all the ornaments last year after Christmas at 75% off and this year Allie got to pick out the ribbon and beads for it.  IT looks so cute!  And I put it up on a table so it won't get knocked down!

 We made this foam winter scene to go under her tree.

 We have a Holiday in the Park each year with Santa, snow, sledding, horseback rides, train rides, music and food.  This has to be her 15th or more time on a pony in the last year!  And I love the way she is just sitting there like a pro!

 In front of the big tree.

 Our Friday fun group went to the mall to take pictures with Santa.  This was one of the VERY few times that I actually left the house without a bow in Allie's hair...  Luckily we borrowed one for the actual picture!

 To our surprise, Meagan and Allie were dressed almost exactly the same!  Too funny!

 Not a great picture of me...

 She was getting a little nervous about seeing Santa!  She was SO brave before we got there and the night before at the festival, but when it came time to actually SIT with Santa, it was a whole different story!  Santa was a hour late so we went to the castle to play and wait!

 the kids and Allison!

 Allie did NOT want to sit with Santa and she would not let go of me.  I had already decided to let Allie take her picture with Lindsey and Meagan so she would not be so upset. As you can see, Meagan was all smiles!!!  Allie was so funny though because as soon as I actually got her on his lap she started talking to him and had this mischievous grin on her face!  And she was fine!

 We had lunch and then did the merry go  round.  I love this mall as it is so kid friendly!

Allie and Meagan

Visiting with Jon's parent's at Gringo's restaurant which is a favorite place to go!

 I took her to Bass Pro shop to see Santa again and take some pictures.  I love this side shot but she is getting ready to pick at the chapped lips!

 My sweety pie!

 She is growing up into a little girl and it amazes me when I look back on photos how much she has changed within the last year!

 My silly goose!

 This time, she was excited to see Santa and told him "we saw you last week. " and she wanted to know where the rubber duckies were that he gave out last time!  I had to explain to Santa that he gave those out at the mall and must have run out!  She was a chatter box with him this time!  It was really cute.

I love this one and that is the mischievous look that she had last time as well!  We may have to go back and visit this Santa again as it was free and we got a free kids meal out of it as well!!