Today, Jarel got off work at a decent time! (Work has been crazy busy for him, so it was nice to have him home early)
We were trying to think of something fun for us to do that was somewhat warm. We packed up the kids, went to dinner and then headed to Thanksgiving Point to see the lights. We got to stay in the van, listen to Christmas music and see all the lights. The kids were in heaven and it was warm!!
After the lights, Thanksgiving Point takes care of some of Santa's reindeer, we headed to see the reindeer. They had 2 tonight that they were taking care of.
They were pretty fun to watch and the reindeer were not shy at all. They would come right up to the kids.
Kali heard the words "hot chocolate" and put on her charm to get Dad to buy some for her. We all went into the store to get hot chocolate (and it was delicious).
When we came back out, we wanted to see the reindeer one more time. We headed over, and I happened to look across the reindeer pen and saw a guy. I asked Makena who he was and she said, "Santa!" I then showed Kali, and I told Kali to go say "HI" to him (Kali is my kid who will do anything, at least once, not too afraid to try things). Off Kali went, Tyler right behind her. They followed "Santa" around the pen, not saying anything to Santa. Finally Santa turned around and the kids just starred at him. They didn't know what to say, but they knew it was Santa. Santa bent down and asked if they wanted a picture with him and also what they wanted for Christmas. Santa even "talked" to the reindeer making reindeer noises. The kids thought that was so cool. Santa spent about 5 or so minutes with the kids. Kali asked him what his reindeer's names were and Santa said, "these are some of my extra reindeer. The reindeer that you know are resting for Christmas. These reindeer's names are Rufus and Dufus." Kali's eyes were big, and couldn't believe it. Makena said, "so Santa does have extra reindeer that he uses. I was wondering, because these reindeer are smaller." And we knew he was the real Santa because he was in short sleeves and for someone who lives at the North Pole, Santa probably thought Utah Winter's were mild!
It was a perfect evening. We were at the right spot to see Santa!!! It was magical and to see the magic in my kids eyes as they talked to Santa, saw his reindeer and had hot chocolate. It was priceless. It is so fun to celebrate Christmas through my kids.
Kids with Santa...Santa told him he was there just checking on his reindeer!
Not the best shot...but Kali and Tyler staring up at "Santa"
Hailey excited about the reindeer. She loved looking at them!
Getting warm by the fire
Makena by an ice sculpture of one of the reindeer
Hailey looking at the reindeer
Hailey, Kali, Tyler and Makena
Kali's happy face about hot chocolate
Jarel and Hailey
Makena
Tyler and Kali
"Rufus and Dufus"
