Santa's Village

Today we met Pop and Jill in Lake Arrowhead at Santa's Village. I think my mom said Tyler and I went there as kids, but I really don't remember. It closed for many years and they just reopened it last year. I am so glad we went. It was such a happy fun day for the kids and adults. It was great to see Pop and enjoy a day of smiling. The trip was easy, only about 1 1/2 and we had nice weather. Collin slept on the way there. Jack loved reading the map, Collin was happy to have a whole day outside to look around and Hannah was excited to try all the activities. We started off at the craft station and the kids made adorable ornaments. Then it was off to ice skating which is what Hannah was most excited for. I was proud of pop who gave it a try and lasted about 5 minutes before exiting the ice. Jack was so proud as it was his first time skating. I think he fell 2 or 3 times, but over all did very well. Hannah could stay on the ice forever. Jill and I did well hanging with her. Tim and Collin watched. Next we got in line at Santa's house. We wrote our names on the nice list, touched the north pole and mailed our letters to Santa. Hannah wrote the most heartwarming letter on her own to Santa asking for a dog. I must say it was quite convincing and nearly had me in tears. Don't worry Collin, your sister is always looking out for you and wrote your name on the nice list. Santa was nice as always and Collin had no problem sitting on his lap. We ate lunch and had a great laugh over the soup of all things. Two of heard "Cherry Tomato" and two of us heard "Cheddar Potato." Clearly one of those had to be there moments for it to actually be funny, but we were rolling. Let's just say Mom and Pop have good ears. Dad and Jill have some trouble. The kids absolutely loved the zip line. They went on it 100 times, each time asking to go faster. I must say I really had fun on it too. We tried archery for the first time, rode the train around the village and had yummy cookies from the gingerbread house. All in all great day. We really had fun and it got us in the holiday spirit.