Giving Santa Another Try

Looking through the aquarium at each other.

The last couple of years, Greg and I have had to be in the pictures with Santa and the kids because they were afraid. This year, I decided to take the kids back to Bass Pro for another try. Hoping this would be the year where I get a great picture of them on Santa's lap. We got there, walked in and watched a couple of kids sit on Santa's lap. The line was short, so we asked if Evan and Leah wanted to get their pictures taken with Santa. With a quick and loud, "NO!" we decided to play with a train set, nerf BB guns, etc. they had for kids to play in the Winter Wonderland area. After a 1/2 hour, the answer was still a firm NO!

We sampled some fudge, looked at some deer and the fish in the aquarium and then Leah looked up at Greg and said, "Okay Dad, I am ready to get my picture taken with Santa!" Low and behold, they waited in line with no whining or crying, they walked right up to Santa. They still didn't sit on his lap, but I am so proud of them for standing next to him without crying or totally refusing.

I already packed the picture away for next year, so I can't scan it and upload it, but both of their faces said-"I'm here, let's get this over with!" But still cute.

Christmas On Main Street- St. Charles

Friday night the kids and I met Greg at a pizza place on Main Street in St. Charles. Every restaurant had at least a half hour-45 minute wait. I think it took us a good 25 minutes or so to even find a parking spot. Seemed everyone had the same idea as us that night. The weather was great for walking around Main Street and seeing all of the lights and characters dressed up in Christmas costumes. We watched and listened to Christmas Carolers and took pictures of people dressed as different Holiday Characters. We only met about 10 of the 30 characters walking around Main Street. Evan and Leah enjoyed collecting cards (like Baseball cards) from each of the characters we met. On the back of the cards, there is a little story behind each character. Really cute.

If you haven't ever been, you definitely need to go during the Holiday Season. It's beautiful! Hoping to go again next season.

Playing in the Snow

The kids were dying to play in the snow on Sunday. Greg played with Evan as Leah and I went to our Tea Luncheon. After the luncheon, I played outside with both of them. I think it took us longer to bundle up than play out there. 20 minutes was about all I could take.

Today, all I have been hearing from Leah is how much she wants to build a snowman. Even though I told her this type of snow is really good "snowman building snow" she insists she can do it. I broke her heart when I told her it is REALLY cold today and we won't be going out. ;(

'Tea for Two'- & More

This past Sunday, I met up with a group of girls I have known for over 20 years! We have all been friends since junior high and a couple since elementary school. We decided to treat our daughters to a tea luncheon at Aggie's Tea Room and we had a great time. The girls were able to go upstairs where there were TONS of dresses, hats, tiaras, boas, wands, jewelry, etc. to wear. After they all put on their dress-up clothes, we all enjoyed a nice lunch. The kids had little sandwiches cut into Christmas trees, flowers and stars and got to learn how to properly pour tea (pink lemonade) from Miss Aggie.

After lunch, we ate reindeer cupcakes that I made and Miss Aggie read the girls a Princess story.

What a fun morning.

My Two Three Year Olds

I messed up putting these in order. Please continue to scroll all the way down for more info. about the kids' b-day party.

Party Favors

Gettin' crafty

favors ready to be decorated
I made cone princess hats and wands for the girls to decorate with foam stickers; while the boys decorated treasure boxes made from baby wipe containers and pirate flags. They did such a great job decorating them and they looked adorable.

Party pics.

The kids enjoyed dressing up and playing with the pirate ship and castle and made such cute princesses and pirates.

As for the Rau family, we had a great time seeing friends and family. Everyone was so generous in giving such wonderful presents to the kids. Thanks again to all!

The Cakes

I really wanted to try and make my own cakes for the kids birthday party. I enjoy baking and channeling my inner Betty Crocker, but boy, I definitely needed some help! I had several practice runs with the cakes a couple of weeks prior, but I just couldn't get them to look like what I was picturing in my head. I asked my Grandma to come over and help me make both of the two-tier (8 cakes all together) cakes. She was my saving grace.
I was really pleased at how great they turned out. I would have spent a fortune on these had I bought them! Thanks Grandma!!!!!

Food For The Party

For the kids, we served cute crown shaped chicken nuggets, shell shaped mac n' cheese, pink applesauce and juice boxes. The adults had chili, cornbread, sandwiches and salad. Pirate's grog/ale was available for the adults. I made tiara cookies for the girls and pirate ship cookies for the boys; and put each child's name on their cookie.

Decorations For The Party

Here are some pictures of decorations at the party. One room was designated the Princess Room and one the Pirate Room.
Greg made the pirate ship and the castle for the kids to play and take pictures with.

The Treasure Map Greg and I made

Pirate ship and castleDress up stuff for kids

Treasure chests

Kids' tables