How many Santas can a girl see?

Today we got up early and got ready for breakfast with Santa. Just as we were about to leave, Sophia fell inside the house and hit her head really hard on the staircase railing. It instantly grew huge and I thought for sure that it was split open. Well, there wasn't any blood, but there were sure tons of tears and lots of purple. A big purple egg that is, right on the side of her forehead. After we got her calmed down, we went to Tartan Park to take in Santa and some yummy breakfast.

Sophia is not a huge fan of Santa up close, but from far away he is the greatest thing in the world. She just thinks it is super frightening to sit by herself on his lap. So, here's our family photo op with Santa this morning.


We left Tartan Park and went to the Target in Lake Elmo. I would much rather drive to this Target any day as they have the BEST dollar section ever! We did some shopping and looked around Target a bit before heading out.

While driving through Lake Elmo, we passed the little country market and outside of the market was a Santa in a sleigh with a real reindeer. So, we turned around and went back to see our second Santa of the day. Once again, Sophia was not thrilled about sitting in Santa's lap, so we sat together.

Sophia checking out the reindeer


Sitting in Santa's sleigh

While leaving the market, one of Santa's helpers gave both Hal and I a chestnut to try. They were roasting them over a fire by the cookies and cocoa for Santa's guests. The lady told us to just peel the burnt part away and eat the nut in the middle. Hal got to his first and he said it was disgusting. So, I left mine for the squirrels under the car.

Then we were off to Stillwater to go grocery shopping. The store was a complete zoo. Of course, we couldn't remember what we needed as we hadn't planned on doing a huge trip. We got the ingredients for our chili dinner. After checking out, we went home to have some lunch.

Sophia didn't eat much as I think she was eager to go play outside. So, we got dressed in our snow gear and headed outside to the front yard.

Stomping in the snow


Sophia and the snowman


Snow break

Sophia and I got chilly after playing for quite some time outside and it was time for her big girl nap so we came back inside. Sophia went down for her nap and Hal and I started constructing the gingerbread house.

When Sophia got up from her nap, Hal went to the paint store and we played toys for a while. Sophia had some dinner and then we decorate the gingerbread house. She really enjoyed eating the candies.

Sophia putting sprinkles on the house


Eating the candy before putting it on the house


The finished product

We played some toys and read some books and then Sophia was off to bed. Hal dished up his new chili and the recipe was right on! It was wonderful chili!! After dinner, we cleaned up the dishes and read the paper a bit.

Then I was off to the community center to run. Hal worked on taping in the living room. When I got back I wrapped some presents and updated the blog. Now I'm off to bed. Tomorrow is another busy day!

We are going to church and then off to do some shopping with Papa and Nana. I can hardly believe tomorrow is already Sunday. The weekends go by way too fast!