The Christmas Train

We went on a Christmas train over the week-end.  The highlight was the kids getting to meet and talk to Santa.   First he reviewed their lists!



He then told Jack that live animals don't really do well in the sleigh so he couldn't make his wish for a puppy happen.

Our Visit with Santa

We saw Santa early this year as I guess he has a pretty busy schedule. It turns out, actually, that Santa is quite in demand and will be spending a lot of time before Christmas in San Francisco at the famous Ghiradelli Square.

Elle was still a bit leery of the plump elf and couldn't be talking into sitting on his lap. She did, however, cautiously run up to him in order to accept a candy cane. She now declares that she'll sit on Santa's lap on Sunday.

For the first year ever, Jack did not ask Santa for a wallet! Rather he asked for 1. The Star Wars Lego Republic Gunship 2. The Star Wars Lego Count Dooku's Solar Sailor and - since Elle was was too scared he allocated one of his three items for her. He asked Santa to bring Elle a dollhouse.

Holiday Remnants

Here are a few cool snaps I didn't get posted as we cap off a fun holiday season. We had an exceptionally good Santa for this year for the kids' pictures. Elle wanted nothing to do with it though so we gave her a waiver.

Here, Jack is in the middle of his "holiday hop" where he dances around in pure exuberance which he tends to do on Christmas morning and a couple other times of the year...

Christmas morning mayhem!

Ready for Christmas Dinner! Three things to of note aside from the table. 1. Our new purple piano makes its blog debut, feature story to come later, 2. Our new crystal chandelier meant to accompany the piano, and finally, Jack's new Darth Maul light saber in the corner of the window stands at the ready in case in rebels mean to disrupt dinner.

As the Season Approaches...2011 Video Recap

Jack's Message to Santa...

has been loud and clear for over a month! He wants a garbage truck, a wallet and a stamp.
























We'll report out tomorrow if Santa comes through...

Jack Meets Santa - Year 3

Jack and his third encounter with Santa Claus earlier this month. He was a little skeptical at first but warmed up enough to sit on his lap and tell him he was hoping for a red tricycle this year for Christmas.



Recall Jack's 2008 Santa picture where the poor guy was mostly just scared.

Year one, back in '07, seems like a long time ago!

Merry Christmas

Jack's Santa experience was a bit scary for him but the picture turned out pretty well.





Merry Christmas to all!

Mom's Famous Peppermint Stick Pie
1 piecrust shell, baked and cooled
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
1/4 teaspoon peppermint flavoring
3 egg whites
1/3 cup of sugar (granulated, not powdered)
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
1/2 cup crushed peppermint stick candy
2 tablespoons crushed peppermint stick candy

Have baked piecrust shell ready. Soften gelatin in water in 1-quart saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until mixture bubbles and gelatin is dissolved. Take from heat. Cool. Stir in peppermint flavoring. Beat egg whites in 3-quart bowl with electric mixer at high speed until foamy. Beat in sugar gradually until stiff and glossy. Beat in gelatin mixture at low speed until mixed. Fold in whipped cream and 1/2 cup candy. Heap into shell. Chill 2 hours, or until firm. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of candy just before serving.