This year on the last day of school before winter break we showed up at their classrooms at the end of the day with a "golden ticket" to the Minivan Express. We told them their ride would depart for a surprise destination at 3:10 sharp, and they were met at the van by the Engineer (dad) and I as the conductor took their baggage/backpacks and punched their tickets. They settled into their seats with hot cocoa and caramel corn and watched the on-board movie - The Polar Express, of course. We drove an hour south to Fargo and spent the night shopping and having dinner out. We all had such a fun time and can't wait to see where the Minivan Express takes us next year!
At Toys "R" Us Alex filled up a wagon with a variety of Thomas the Train toys that he hopes Santa will bring him. Keep believing, buddy!
This year's Gingerbread house was built and decorated by Haley and Jake after Alex went to bed. It turned out pretty cute, and some of the candy even made it onto the house.
Alex woke up the next morning and was VERY interested in what had appeared overnight.
I've always loved the scene in "Elf" where he decorates the store with all the paper chains and garlands - we tried to re-create that a little this year in our kitchen/dining room.
We managed to get our monster tree into the Family Room - the top touches the peak of the vaulted ceiling!
We used a LOT of lights on that tree....and wouldn't you know - the final strand at the top blinked out a few days after we decorated. Oh well, it still gives off plenty of sparkle!
With the mild weather we had lots of time to add more lights, including the tree in the front. The kids get so excited when we pull into the driveway and our lights are on - so festive!
