Santa Train

Did you know that Chicago has an official Santa Train? Now, this isn't your ordinary train. It is completely decked out with garland, green and red lights, santa fabric chairs, festive music, snow on the windows, elves, and of course Santa! For a moment, when all the kids were running to catch a glimpse of Santa, I felt like we were on the Polar Express. What a sweet moment.

However, while all the kids and parents are enjoying the warmth inside the train cars, Santa has to sit outside on a flat bed while the train moves. Talk about cold! But he seemed to be the jolly ol' santa that didn't have a care in the world except to make little kids happy. And hey, if he rides all night on a sleigh, surely he can ride a few hours outside on a train. :)

Christmas Cookies

I had a lot of fun making cookies this year. Timothy even enjoyed helping me mix batters and cut out sugar cookie stars. I made my grandmother's ginger snap recipe, candy cane cookies, vanilla bean sugar cookies (thanks mom for the real vanilla beans), and my favorite marshmallow wreath cookies.

Thanksgiving

Is Dec. 1st really Wednesday? Wow, this year has FLOWN by!

But I am so thankful for the blessings and joys and lessons this year has brought. We were showered with hospitality at the Hufford's (that is, my in-laws) the past couple days. There was an abundance of food to go around and such good company. And I have to give props to my sister-in-law for her killer Pumpkin Pie with homemade whipped cream. Yum!! I think I ate more than my "portion" of the pie.

Even after all their hardwork to make Thanksgiving come together, my in-laws watched Mr. T while we went out for ice-cream, a movie, and late night Dunkin (decaf of course). :) What sweet, sweet times as husband and wife! And lots of laughter and heart-to-heart conversation. What a treasure.

Speaking of that treasure, I'm going to spend some time with him. :)