Gingerbread Display

We headed to the JW Marriott today to check out their huge gingerbread display, "Holidays around the World." Maddie wanted to go past the "ropes" and touch everything. It was fascinating to look at.

the working toy train that circled most of the display

Some interesting facts...

400+ hours to create

350+ pounds of gingerbread

120+ pounds of chocolate

120+ pounds of candies & gum drops

75+ pounds of nuts & dried fruit

took over 30 days to construct

weighs over 800 pounds!

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Of course, there was green grass so we had to play for a couple of minutes!

'Oh' Christmas Tree

Jack is REALLY into our Christmas tree this year...

the collection of ornaments he had removed
my half undecorated tree

The final straw...Jack moved stuff over to climb up and get at this ornament. He actually couldn't get the whole ornament off the tree, he just brought me Charlie Brown and a one-legged Lucy!! Today, I undecorated the tree and put away all our good ornaments. I don't want all our keepsake ornaments broken before they can even understand/enjoy them!!

Mrs. Clause & Santa

Before we rode the Polar Express, we stopped in the train station for a visit with Mrs. Clause and Santa.

I'm sure this is a preview of our Christmas pictures--Maddie smiling and Jack wondering what just happened!! One of these years, I will get them both smiling at the same time.

'Snow'

We went to the nightly "snowfall" tonight...

I think they enjoyed it...gonna have to find them some real snow to play in.

Construction Zone

Jack found a cone while we were walking/playing and thought it was great!

strong boy...gotta move the cone
...to right here

happy boy

Curious George

We went to story time at Desert Ridge tonight and got to see Curious George.

a high five
Just Maddie got her picture taken...Jack didn't care about the monkey!

The Polar Express

We drove from Phoenix to Williams, AZ to ride the Polar Express last night.

It was a long drive (almost 3 hours each way) but well worth it!

the Polar Express pulling into the station

all-aboard!!

Waiting to start our journey

Jack enjoying his cookie

The conductor punching our tickets.

Maddie and her punched ticket

looking for Santa

we see him!!!

Santa getting off his sleigh to board the train

Patiently waiting for our turn with Santa

Maddie getting her bell from Santa

Jack getting his bell

Maddie leaning to tell Santa "thank you!"

I was pretty proud she remembered her manners!!

Excited and shaking their bells

happy boy

Maddie singing Christmas carols on our way back to the station.

We also visited with Mrs. Clause and had our picture taken with Santa before we boarded.