Ho, Ho, Ho

We've had a busy day!  Last year, Mallory was too young to talk or recognize Santa.  This year is a different story.  The past few weeks, we've been reading lots of books about Santa & I point him out anytime he comes on TV or we see a picture.  Now Mallory recognizes him & knows he says HO, HO, HO.  She gets excited when she sees him so I was anxious to see how she would be when we went to visit.  We decided to go to New Bern for Breakfast with Santa.  It was great!

Mallory really took a liking to Ms. Claus

Ms. Claus reading Mallory a story

We met Nikki, her mom & little Jack there.  Here is precious little Jack.

They had different little activities set up for all the kids.  Here is Mallory decorating a cookie.  She loved this!

How cute is Jack?!  He was patiently waiting to sit in Santa's lap.

This picture cracks me up.  When Mallory first spotted Santa, her eyes got big & her mouth dropped open.  She pointed to him & said "Santaaaaa!"  She acted like she could not wait to get to him.  When it was our turn, she took off towards him.  & then stopped quickly.  She wanted to get up there but not too close.  I had to end up getting up there with her & being in the picture.  I'll have to scan it in, but just picture Santa holding her with me beside Santa & Mallory reaching for me, ha!

Mallory got to pick out a homemade Christmas ornament.  She picked this cute little penguin.

Next, we decided to go see another Santa.  My grandma wanted us to go with her to see a local Santa that was visiting today so we did.  They had a little activity where kids could make their own ornament.  Because, it involved coloring, it was a hit with Mallory.

One of Mallory's little friends was there too...the beautiful little Miss Ella

You can see how this Santa pic turned out. About the same, haha!

Once again, I had to get in the picture to "protect" Mallory from Santa, ha.

Mallory looking at some of the animals they had.

This evening we went to a dear family friend's 80th birthday party.  He had the exact same cake that we had for my dad's 65th party the beginning of October.  I wish I had blogged about his party, I'm trying to do better!

 Despite having only about a 30 minute nap all day, Mallory did great at the party!  We left the party a little after 6 and she was OUT by 6:30 for the night.

& it's so crazy, but we have had snow tonight!!  Up until a few days ago we've had weather in the 70's everyday.  That figures since we have family outdoor pictures being made tomorrow morning.  We are going to FREEZE!