Deck the Halls

Although I haven't been posting much lately, its not for lack of stuff to talk about. The girls and I have been a little bored running errands and everyday things. But we've thrown in a few fun holiday excursions. Last week, we visited the Mall of America to see the World's Largest Gingerbread House, a replica of the Polar Express train engine, and well, the good man himself, Santa. I was glad we didn't have to wait in a long line for the Gingerbread house because I thought it would be more than one room on the inside. It was pretty cool on the outside with real gingerbread and candy glued to it. They were handing out candy canes as you walked in and Ella matched her candy cane up to each and every one glued to the outside. We were met by a couple elves in a candy factory on the inside where I was most excited by the giant tin of Dots (my favorite candy) sitting on the floor. We just looked at Santa from afar because there was a long line and Ella had already visited with Kris Kringle at the Eden Prairie mall and told him her wish list (She wants a "whoo hoo". That's choo choo or a Thomas train in Ella-speak).

We also visited the aquarium again (did I mention we're all members now--each with our own photo member card, including Lily). :-) And this time Ella actually took her time and really looked at everything. Usually she likes to run through the whole thing just to get to the gift shop and play area. And we actually learned something new. Did you know that there are sting rays that live in fresh water? I thought that was quite interesting.

Last Satureday, we went to Lockhead Martin, where my stepmom Clare works, for their family holiday party. Everything was decorated with big balloon arches and balloon candy canes, hersey kisses, stars, and more. All the kids got their picture taken with Santa (except for Lily who is petrified even if you take one step closer to the jolly old man). Ella also made a reindeer ornament, correction: I made a reindeer ornament and Ella watched me. She also had both cheeks and her nose painted, frosted a cookie all by herself, and colored a holiday card. Lily sort of wandered around enjoying the atmosphere. They both received a cuddly little bear blanket and a very nice book about Lily the rabbit and her friend Honey Bear which I thought was quite appropriate for our Lily and her lovey Bear. All in all, we had a great time!

We look forward to perhaps putting up our own tree in our own house in the very near future! But that is all I'll say about that for now so I don't jinx anything. More on that later.... ;-)