Breakfast with Santa & Festival of Lights

I found out about this breakfast with Santa at the Campbell County firehouse via Facebook and I'm glad I found it! It was a fun morning for our little family.

Besides the pancakes & sausage and meeting Santa, the kids got to play some games and do some crafts. 

At one point, Lucy and I went to the bathroom while the boys finished eating. On the way back, Lucy was peeking into a room with lockers and gear and a fireman spotted her. He invited her in to take a closer look and let her try on his helmet. 

Later that afternoon, we stopped by the library to see Santa agian - and do some more crafts. Max had been upset earlier in the day because he said he forgot to tell Santa (at the firehouse) what he wanted for Christmas. He was glad to have a second chance! 

We didn't make it to the Festival of Lights last year so we were happy to find a day to go this year. The dads backed out but GranJan, Auntie Ema and I had fun with our little crew.

The kids had fun writing their letters to Santa. Ellie asked me to help her write "I Have been a little bit good" on hers - I think she should get extra presents for the honesty! 

 Before they took their letters outside to the big mailbox, they got to touch a snake!

 Mailing their letters!

When it started getting darker and colder...and more crowded!...we decided it was time to ditch the zoo and head home. I wanted to take some pictures to help my parents create their Christmas card and this one (above) is probably my favorite (though it didn't make the card!). Luke is doing his forced smile which makes him look like he's in a good deal of pain. GranJan is kindly mocking it, which of course is cracking Ellie up. Max is being goofy as usual and only my dad and Lucy are taking it seriously and looking picture-perfect.