Little Ladybug's Journey: December fun has begun...

Hello All,

First time on Santa's lap...

December has begun, the fun has started AND Santa has been seen three times already! Three times you say. This past weekend Miss Emily had a blast to say the least.

The adventure into Santaland all began Saturday morning with Mommy, JuJu, and Emily heading off the the Macy's downtown Portland. We weren't sure if Emily was going to actually sit on the big guy's lap, but she surprised us by not only sitting on his lap, but hugging him, talking to him, and more. She loved it! She even wanted to have another turn, but the line was too long! She enjoyed seeing all of Santa's reindeer as well! This got her in the spirit big time! After this fun, we headed to Starbucks in Pioneer Courthouse Square. She got to have a hot cocoa and a yummy cake pop!

After Emily's nap on Saturday, Mommy got her all dolled up to go with Grandpa and Grandma to Grandma's work Christmas party! At first she wasn't too sure about going without mommy, but she had a GREAT time, AND Santa even made an appearance and gave Emily a special gift of a new game!

Sunday was a day Emily will probably never forget. Emily, Mommy, JuJu, and cousin Makena all drove to Hood River to catch the Polar Express train to the North Pole! Yes, you heard me right, the North Pole! As most of you know, Emily loves trains, so now to be boarding a train to go to Santa's house...well...could there be anything better when you are five and are a true believer in Santa, elves, and reindeer????

As we waited in the train station, the anticipation was building. Then, when the conductor said "All aboard," the station erupted with screams of complete and utter joy from children all in their PJ's!

We headed out to our seats in the upper dome at the front end of the train. We enjoyed every bit of the experience. It was just like the movie/book The Polar Express. We were moving along and the conductor came along and punched our tickets, and then the chefs in their outfits came along and delivered our hot cocoa in our special commemorative mugs as well as yummy cookies! As the train chugged, chugged along, we laughed, clapped, and watched outside for Santa and the elves. What do you know, half way to the North Pole a herd of caribou blocked the tracks and the conductor had to find an alternate route to the North Pole. (hee hee hee) The train actually goes up and back twice for a nice hour and half ride! :-)

After the conductor said they had to do an alternate route, the chefs came back to hold the book and walk up and down the aisle to show the pictures while a narrator read the story over the speaker system

Well, when we were pulling up to the North Pole the announcer told us what side of the train to look out to see Santa and the elves waving to us all. And then, as we were watching the workshop lights and all, the elves and Santa boarded the train. As the elves came upstairs one of them picked Emily up and was talking to her and asked if she wanted to see Santa! A few minutes later here came Santa and went right to Emily first!!!! As the train and all the passengers exploded with screams of joy and laughter, Emily was hugging and talking to Santa! As he gave her the first jingle bell of the night, she was beaming from ear to ear! That smile did not leave her face for the rest of the night! As Santa made his way through the train, we all joined in some carols!

Makena, Emily, JuJu, and Mommy all had a grand adventure and the entire trip was made even better seen through the eyes of my child!

Well, now that December is off and running, just one more tidbit for you! Emily had her five year check up today. She is finally on the growth chart! YEAH!! All of this time she has never even been on it. Today she was 39 inches tall and weighed 34 pounds! Quite a change from 20 months ago! WOW!! She is growing up so fast!

Enjoy the pictures! I am sure there will be more to come this weekend!
Love,
Kathy