The First Day of Christmas (sorry... Winter) Break

Finally, after what feels like a grueling fall, we have successfully arrived at the long awaited Winter Break. Mind you it isn't a "Christmas" break because that would exclude those who do not believe in Christ... oh well, it will ALWAYS be Christmas break to me.

This year we stared it off with Chinese food, The Grinch and popcorn. Wednesday night after work we enjoyed these three things and a relaxing evening with the kids.

On Thursday we were up and out of the house by ... yes, 11. Okay so it sure seemed like we got up and going right away... Anyway, first thing in the morning Jack and Alex prepared their letters to Santa and we were out and on the way to meet the guy in the big red suit. We honestly pulled away from the house without a plan as to where we would visit him, but eventually decided to try Bass Pro Shop on the advice of several friends. Boy, were they right. What a wonderful experience!! The shop its self, titled Outdoor World is amazing. With a waterfall, giant fish tanks and stuffed animals (the formerly live kind) form floor to rafters, it was quite a site. They had giant trees decorated for the holidays and lots of things to climb in, on and around. The boys had fun even before we went to the Santa area. The area surrounding Santa and his workshop was full of fun. There was a Lionel train, a large nutcracker, a NASCAR track for the kids to run the cars on, a shooting range and coloring pages and games galore. Santa was wonderful and patient, going over the boys' lists with them before taking a wonderful photo with the boys. Unlike the mall, they treated the visit with Santa as an experience rather than simply a rushed Kodak moment and simply a money making situation... why no rush and no big sales pitch... cause it's free! And if you get a FREE photo they throw in a FREE lunch. So the boys, Geoff and I enjoyed very good food next to a GIANT fish tank full of beautiful tropical fish. And all this without leaving a store that specializes in camping, hunting and fishing. Well done Bass Pro Shop!

This evening we played... and played and played. The boys are so into tinker-toys this week. Tinker-toys and dress up clothes and the usual trains. Legos and Star Wars have kept them busy during these cool evenings. I also make chocolate suckers for the first time tonight. They turned out great... Christmas tress and Christmas lights. I think the process will get easier with time.