Weekend fun

We've had a busy weekend!  On Friday evening, Madeline kept asking to go see Santa.  We had decided this year that we weren't waiting in line for over an hour at a mall to let her sit on Santa's lap like we did last year.  So, Bass Pro to the rescue!  We had been receiving flyers in the mail for their Winter Wonderland, with free pictures with Santa.  We weren't disappointed!

Such a big girl!  Excited to wear her new Christmas dress to see Santa.

She was so chatty in the car on the way to see Santa, but of course once I pull out the camera, she got camera shy.  You can still glimpse a bit of the excitement here!

We didn't get a smile, but she did sit on Santa's lap and we had no tears!!.  She wasn't able to tell him what she wanted, but she did nod when he asked her if she wanted a dolly and some candy.  Maybe he'll still somehow get the message that she wants a pink bike!

We were totally impressed with Bass Pro's Winter Wonderland.  We waited less than 5 min to see Santa for our free picture.  They had a train set that Madeline loved, she had so much fun making it stop.  They also had all sorts of other toys, displays, arts & crafts...enough to please kids (and daddies!) of all ages. 

Such joy!

She insisted on riding the "tractors"

Saturday was a day filled with errands, a friend's 2nd Birthday party, and we capped the night off with the Jingle Bell Ride.  The ride was an hour long and toured through a neighborhood to let us all gaze at the lights.  The ride benefited the parks and recreation department, so we felt it was a fun ride for a decent cause.  Madeline was excited to ride bikes in the dark!

Showing off her glow stick!

Ready to ride

Looking back to see mommy

Enjoying cookies and cocoa after the ride.

She had such a fun time, but was exhausted by the end as it was way after her bedtime  She said, "I'm ready to go home" which is completely out of character for her!