It surprises me every year...before we're thinking of what to cook for the big Thanksgiving meal, it's always a trip to see Santa! The stores are playing Christmas music and the malls getting the kids excited with
Santas abound. We learned last minute about this Santa opportunity at a local nursery and gift store that's known for having the best Christmas displays and tree decorations -- been around since I was the kids' age. They serve hot apple cider (which to Baby Brother, doesn't taste nearly as good as plain apple juice) and home made mint brownies and cookies....HOME MADE (I think I ate about 5!). Each kid got to pick out one tree decoration and we took photos with Santa and put our name in a raffle. We left with lots of cute photos, some knowledge of how German hand-painted decorations are made, full bellies and a prize from the raffle! And I never win those things!
The girls are wearing their Japanese headbands - gifts brought back by Grandma's recent trip there. They have little kimonos that match, too! Alessandro's kimono comes with a matching headband, too -- samurai style.
It surprises me every year...before we're thinking of what to cook for the big Thanksgiving meal, it's always a trip to see Santa! The stores are playing Christmas music and the malls getting the kids excited with Santas abound. We learned last minute about this Santa opportunity at a local nursery and gift store that's known for having the best Christmas displays and tree decorations -- been around since I was the kids' age. They serve hot apple cider (which to Baby Brother, doesn't taste nearly as good as plain apple juice) and home made mint brownies and cookies....HOME MADE (I think I ate about 5!). Each kid got to pick out one tree decoration and we took photos with Santa and put our name in a raffle. We left with lots of cute photos, some knowledge of how German hand-painted decorations are made, full bellies and a prize from the raffle! And I never win those things! 
The girls are wearing their Japanese headbands - gifts brought back by Grandma's recent trip there. They have little kimonos that match, too! Alessandro's kimono comes with a matching headband, too -- samurai style.
