Sarah's first visit with Santa

We got a jump on Christmas this year, since my parents were in town. We put up our tree on the day after Thanksgiving, Sarah didn't quite know what to think of it - she mostly stood and looked and jabbered at it! (We have an artificial tree, Mark's favorite - not mine, but I've got some allergies, so that's why we have an artificial and why we could put up our tree so early.) Anyhow, on Sunday we took the kids to see Santa at the Macy's Santaland downtown. It was wonderful, it was quiet in the room with Santa, and they had a whole display set up with a train for kids to see and another to ride on, as well as reindeer and elves - the whole bit! Jakob just LOVED it. Jakob was so brave when he saw Santa - you may remember years in the past - him either not getting near Santa and yelling what he wanted at him, or just plain screaming, well this year he drew Santa a picture (of Santa and his sleigh), so he had to give it to Santa, plus he had to be the big, brave brother for Sarah. Jakob told Santa that he wanted slippers - random, yes, but I happen to know Santa pretty well and I think he will be bringing some cool slippers!! Sarah was fine on Santa's lap until she realized what was happening and then the screaming began!! The picture we bought, is hysterical, I'll have to have Mark scan it so I can post it, but these will do also...

Jakob giving his picture to Santa

Oh, the horror!!


Admiring the train

Riding on the train together

Watching the mechanical elves and Rudolph

The rest of the reindeer (in the background)- a bit freaky looking, but super cool for a 4 year old!

Some early decorating - the stockings - thanks to Gramma Kathy!

Sarah's first look at the tree - she is really excited and blabbering to the tree here!

Jakob decorating - he was totally into decorating it this year, and did a good job of putting only the soft ornaments at the bottom of the tree for Sarah to touch.

Jakob showing Sarah the decorated tree.