Winter Wonderland

I heard from a co-worker about Winter Wonderland at Windows on Washington and thought it might be something Emma would like to do.  From the website, everything except food was free.  There were carousel rides, train rides, pictures with Santa, and arts/craft stuff.  We weren't sure if Mason was going to make his grand entrance by now, but seeing as he isn't here yet, we decided to head downtown.

 

When we pulled up, we noticed that there weren't very many people at WOW.  We then began to question if this was really taking place here.  We watched a few people head into the building and then noticed and elf come stand by the door.  We were in the right place!

 

As we were escorted up the elevator with another family and an elf, I  just kept thinking, I wonder what Emma will want to do first and that we should probably get in the Santa line before the crowd gets there.  When we got off the elevator, we noticed not a big crowd at all.  There was a small line for the train rides and food.  No one was in line for Santa?!?!  That quickly caught my attention and we then found out why...it was about $10-15 depending on if you wanted Santa on the sleigh or not in the picture at all.  What a joke!

 

As we were walking around the floor, we could hear more families complain that everything they saw online said the event was all free except  for the food.  We thought that was okay without getting a picture with Santa because we are going to take both kids to see Santa shortly.  We moved on to the train ride.  It was this little bench that I had to fit my behind on in order for Emma to ride it.  Nothing like being full term and ready to pop a baby out any day; maybe the bumps will help push him out!  Also, what a joke with the train ride!  We clanked loudly around the small track two times and that was your turn.  It's not like there was a crowd and they needed to get through the line!

 

Oh well, we can always go on the train ride again.  We headed over to the carousel, notice I didn't say ride because they failed to mention that the carousel doesn't actually move.  Its an antique and is for display only!  Yea, let me tell you how hard that was to tell Emma.  This kid loves carousel rides!  Again, what a joke!

 

After just a little bit at WOW, we decided to head home because it was more or less making me mad at the poor description of what she be an awesome time and what actually was here!  As we were entering the elevator, more families were coming off, also with comments about the cost right away (signs were made and hung at the front about the costs for some of the activities).  Nevertheless, we tried it and we won't be going back next year!

 

 

Emma ready to explore Santa's workshop.

 

Emma and Daddy looking out the window at the city.

 

Emma's turn.

 

Always on the move!

 

Our turn to ride the train.

 

Hold on tight!

 

Here we come!

 

Ready to go again.

 

Emma sitting on the antique carousel.

 

Being silly on the horse.

 

Looking up to figure out how she can fix it.

 

Her thought was, move onto another horse.  Good try!

 

Let's go this way!

 

Still trying to find one that will work.

 

Maybe this one?

 

Why aren't we going yet?

 

 

Emma's version of smiling.

 

 

Being silly on the carousel.

 

 

Mommy and Emma by the Christmas tree. 

 

 

Daddy and Emma walking around the bottom of WOW.

 

Annual Cookie Baking

While I would have loved to host our third annual cookie baking at our house, this year we had something more important coming...the birth of Mason!  I thought for sure that Mason would come early so we didn't plan a family cookie baking night.  As his due date was approaching, I then thought that we should have had the cookie baking anyways.  Instead Emma and I baked cookies for our coworkers.  It was a great time with my little helper, but unfortunately she won't be able to participate in our annual family cookie baking anymore.  This is the last year we will be in the house; we will have to start a new tradition in Virginia!

 

 

Emma searching for the cookie sheets.

 

Thinking about washing her hands.

 

Then finally washing them.

 

All clean and ready to bake cookies!

 

Oh what is all of that stuff?

 

You want me to do what with that thing?

 

Better just keep an eye on the dough.

 

Okay, I guess I'll give it a shot.

 

Still looking a little uneasy with the mixer.

 

Me and Emma mixing the cookie dough.

 

Emma needed to stop for a juice drink.

St. Nick Came

When we awoke this morning, Emma was surprised to see that her shoe and the area next to the little Christmas tree had presents for her, and even Mason.  I guess even St. Nick thought Mason would be born early.  Mason isn't here yet, but when he is born, Emma will be sure to give him the gifts from St. Nick.

 

Emma did something strange this morning.  She didn't want her Daddy to be in her room at all, even shutting the door on him.  I don't know if it was the fact that it was still early and we kind of woke her up, or if she just was in a bad mood or something.  Emma and I sat in her room and she just looked at her little tree, then we headed downstairs to open the gifts with Daddy and Grandpa.

 

After opening her gifts,  Emma placed her ornament on our Christmas tree in the living room.  She looked through the Duck and Goose book.  She wasn't sure what to do about some of the gifts, the Christmas dvds, but don't worry in time we will have a family tradition watching those!  They are classics, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, Santa is Coming to Town, and Frosty the Snowman!  While the morning was quickly passing by, Michael and I had to head off to work.

 

Happy St. Nick's Day!

 

 

St. Nick stopped by Emma's room.

 

Another duck!

 

The gifts left behind for the kiddos.

 

Shutting the door on Daddy.

 

Admiring the little tree in her room.

 

Pretty all lit up.

 

She was like a statue, so still and just staring at it.

 

Emma got an Elmo ornament!

 

Looking for a place to put it.

 

Hey, what's this trash doing here?

 

Okay, that's better; now which one do I unwrap first?

 

Here, where does this ornament go?

 

Oh, that looks good there!

 

Opening the classic dvds.

 

Opening the Duck and Goose book.

 

Starting to recognize what it is.

 

Beginning to read the book.

 

And point out more ducks!

Preparing For St. Nick

I got out my little tree I used to use in my room during the Christmas season.  While some of the ornaments look dated, the tree and lights are still working.  Emma thought it was great; just the right size for her and it could go in her room too!  We set the tree up and got out Emma's shoes in hopes that St. Nick would come tonight.  If not St. Nick, maybe Mason would make his grand appearance?!?  We will see in the morning...

 

 

Emma looking at the lights on the tree.

 

And some of the ornaments.

 

Trying to decide which shoes to leave out by the tree.

 

One more look at the tree.

 

And she decided on her purple shoes.

 

Then went back to get another pair!

 

Waiting for St. Nick to magically come.

 

Her purple shoes go great with her light purple/pink walls!

 

This little lady looks so tired.

 

Sitting back enjoying the lights.

 

Readjusting some of the lights and ornaments.

 

I even still have the Noel choo choo train.

 

 

Ready for St. Nick...