Breakfast with Santa

Earlier this week, our elf, Jingle, invited Jeff, Jonas, and I to a Breakfast with Santa at Gardner Village. Jonas was so excited (and truth be told, so was I!). We have enjoyed this breakfast in years past and this year was no different. When we arrived, an elf showed us to our table where we were able to enjoy a yummy chocolate chip pancake, eggs, sausage, hash brown and fruit breakfast. We had no sooner put the sprinkles on our pancakes (ok...Jonas was the only one to indulge in the sprinkles) when the elves led us in singing "Here Comes Santa Claus". As we finished our rousing chorus, Santa and Mrs. Claus entered! I'm pretty sure Jonas and I were singing louder than anyone at our table. While we waited for our turn to finally visit with Santa, the elves engaged us (or rather Jonas) in various fun activities. There was a snowman race (where Jonas was supposed to be the "snowman" and other kids wrapped him in toilet paper then added a beanie, scarf, and gloves), snowball toss into a snowman, snowball fight, festive freeze dance, letters to Santa and more. Jonas wanted to be a part of all of it! Even after we got to visit with Santa, Jonas insisted on staying until the end. There were several times that his excitement and festive spirit was so overwhelming that he had to squeeze Jeff or I in the best hugs ever. When it was our time to visit Santa, Jonas informed him that he wants a heavy (punching) bag for Christmas. Jonas has really gotten into his taekwondo and wants to use the bag to practice his boxing/punching/kicking combinations. Jonas actually carried on a little conversation with Santa. They both discussed how much they like going out to eat and that they both enjoy shrimp. It was so funny. Before Santa left, he invited any child who wanted to, to give him a hug. I just want to freeze all of these moments. 

After we left the breakfast, we decided to tackle the Elf Scavenger Hunt at Gardner Village. The elf displays are so silly and whimsical. It was such a great way to cap off a magical morning!