Our Holiday to do List

Over the holidays there are a few things I really want to do with the kids....

{Some Family Fun}


First ride the Santa Train, which we are doing this weekend. It is an hour long train ride with Santa with treats and stories and fun! Griffin has been asking to go on a train ride for quite some time, so what better than a train ride with Santa!
Here is the link:
http://www.santatrain.ca/

{Some Build a Bear}



As a special treat after the Santa Train we are going to stop and take the boys to Build a Bear and let them build their own Rudolph. Rudolph is the most popular Christmas character in our home (aside from Comet, whom Griffin just adores). We even have a special tradition on Christmas Eve, where we go and make magical treats for the reindeer, sprinkle them out on our front lawn, and when the reindeer food disappears, the boys know that Rudolph has snuck in and left a special treat for them on their bed!

{Some Crafts}

These look really cute and yummy!



I have the canvas, we just need to make the handprints


{Some Sharing}


Hand out the Snowman treats we made for the boys friends!

{Some Fun}

and lastly, throw a Rudolph Party for their friends...

Summer Vacation

I am already starting to plan for the summer vacation and getting really excited about it! I know it is a bit early, but this is the first year in four, that we can actually go somewhere.
So, we're thinking about going here.....

http://www.hersheypark.com/index.php

and not far from there is this cool place....

http://www.sesameplace.com/

and what trip would be complete without a little of this....

outlet shopping just 10 minutes away!!!

http://www.theoutletsathershey.com/

So much fun!! Can't wait!! Bring on the good weather :)

I just returned home from the Santa Claus Parade and I came across these comments on Ali Edwards blog regarding the rush of the holidays:

"cut back - cut back - cut back...that is my hope this year - cut back on my expectations, cut back on how much I try to cram in, cut back on money spending, cut back on doing what I think everyone else wants and focus on my family and the joy of Christmas!"

"My philosophy is that ten years down the road, my son won't remember the super cool video game we bought him - but he will remember the fun family things we did together and the traditions that we pass down to him. Which is the best gift of all, right?"

I think I am going to make both of these goals for the upcoming years. I really do love traditions and want to concentrate more on making memories for my children than anything else.

For me, the holidays mean decorating my home, sending Christmas cards, writing letters to Santa, baking Christmas cookies, preparing for Rudolph's visit and planning festive parties for friends. I actually love the build up to Christmas more than anything else..... and it is just beginning!