Getting ready for Christmas

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than to take the Georgetown Loop Santa train?  The kids loved the train so much when we took it last year, they weren't sure which to be more excited about - meeting Santa or taking the train.  The experience didn't disappoint, and the kids had a blast meeting the elf's, getting fresh baked cookies from Mrs. Clause and telling Santa what they wanted for Christmas. 

Because the whole family is coming to us this year, Bill and the kids went above and beyond in decorating with an 8-foot Santa, well-lit reindeer, and a 9-foot tree. 

Finally, not to be forgotten, the Elf on the Shelf (named "Snowflake" this year) came out 2 weeks before Christmas.  The kids are always so excited to find him when they wake up, that it makes up for the stress of finding a unique location for him to land every night.  Additionally, the idea that he reports back to Santa instills a sense of good behavior among them that is an added bonus for us.