Local Review: Santa Train

Hi Friends! 

I meant to post this weeks ago and forgot--oops! We went on the Santa Train and had a blast! The train left from North Bend and went on a 15 minute ride into Snoqualmie. You spend about 45 minutes in Snoqualmie at the Museum/Train Station. They have one of the cars serving hot cocoa, cookies and it has ample seating with a train table for kiddo entertainment (warning: there's also a Christmas tree set up which kids aren't allowed in. Leave it to our little beasts to get back there and try to eat the candy canes OFF OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE! *SMH*) Santa is in the Station- the line can be really long if you do it straight from the train, we did cookies first then waited about 10 minutes for Santa. You take your own Santa photo and the kids were given a wooden kids train whistle- really cute! By the time we were done it was time to line up for our train back to the North Bend. All of the train cars are a bit different- very vintage. 

This adventure got really poor reviews on yelp so I wasn't sure if it would be worth it after the ticket price but we had a really great time. My best advice is to dress for the weather (you're very close to the pass and mud is prevalent--rain boots and heavy coats should be taken!) I had hand warmers in my purse which came in handy as well. The train cars aren't heated so warm clothes are definitely 'a must.' Bring a light snack and a camera. If you love a very local, vintage experience (put on my volunteers- thanks to all of you!) try this with the kiddos. We had such a great time! 

Also--we did the ride with the steam train, they only ran it once this year for Santa Train. It was SUPER COOL- very Harry Potter. If you want that train make sure you double check. 

Put it on the Holiday List for 2016!

S

Local: Giggle Jungle!

Hi Friends! 

Just a quick post about a local kids play place that's worth checking out (especially during this rainy/cold season in Seattle!) 

Giggle Jungle in Redmond Town Center is perfect for a rainy day. I took Isla and her little friend, Brooklyn the week before Christmas when I watched Brooklyn for her Mama (who works with the Hubby). It was crowded when they were playing but the girls had a great time. If you want to avoid crowds hit meal times or late in the afternoon. My Brother-in-Law took Isla a month ago around 3pm and said it was deserted. Design wise, the place is a bit headache inducing for an adult (imagine Katy Perry designed the place--I expected to see her pop out of the balloon area with that bra with the twirling tassles- yep, I went there) but as far as kid places go it's a good one on the Eastside (of Seattle that is). Perk--it's only $7 for the day. Cheap (and a true sanity saver!) 

It should be noted that the whole place is pretty well padded- that said, they require that you're closely supervising at all times for good reason- Isla seriously bit it off this toy and conked her head- she was totally fine but I was glad I was close by. 

We brought lunch in and it worked perfectly - they have snacks there to buy as well! 

Hit it up!

Sandi 

Elf on the Shelf: Joy

Hi Friends!

This was our first year with the Elf on the Shelf. Isla named her Elf, Joy (after the Inside Out character) although her first choices were Ratatouille, Sleeping Beauty and Christmas Tree. We suggested rethinking those three ;) S

Isla really 'got' Joy this year and we used her for more of a fun Christmas celebrating tool than bribery to be good (which I'm fully not opposed to I just don'st think she would understand since she truly thought Joy was on her side :) Joy got into quite a lot of mischief and B and I had just as much fun as Isla did with her. Until next year Joy--we will miss you!

Here is our month with Joy in pics!

                  

                      

                      

                     

....and last but definitely not least- Joy came through and delivered the gift Isla asked 2 Santas for and reminded us of all year...the coveted shopping cart.

xoxo. 

S

Activity Advent

Hi Friends! 

My good Mama friend, L had the brilliant idea to do an activity advent calendar for Isla like she was doing for Gemma. I loved that plan (since it didn't include loading her up on sugar) and we've had so much fun enjoying her daily holiday themed activities. There are a ton of fun printables that are much cuter than what I did but the beauty of this is that it can be as easy or intricate as you want to make it. I got ideas on what to include from several blogs as well as our already packed holiday calendar. This is a fun idea to save for next year! 

I made mine from gift tags and clothespins from Michaels but the options are endless!

 Our activities included a night walk through the lights in our downtown Kirkland 

Gingerbread house decorating (with Daddy!) 

Making Christmas cards for Isla's buddies and sending them herself (she LOVED doing this!)

Happy Holidays Friends!

S