Santa's Secret Adventure

This is are third year in a row going to Santa's Secret Adventure. Allie talks about it all year long and loves going to this special place this time of year. We usually go earlier in December, but Allie really wanted Pa to go this year (Grandma Rhonda just got to go last year) so when my parents told us they were coming for Christmas this year, we knew we had to wait to go to Santa's Secret Adventure together. Jo-Jo was here too, so he was a good sport and joined us on our little adventure.

While waiting to see Santa we sat around the campfire and read stories with some of Santa's elves.

This year we got to see Santa in "family" groups and it was great. Allie sat next to Santa between him and Mrs. Claus and Paige got to sit on Mrs. Claus. Allie had some framed artwork (that she made) in her room and really wanted to take one to Santa. I tried to talk her out of it since I was not sure if Santa would have room for lots of treasures from kiddos. But when she said "Mom, Santa always does kind things and brings us presents, so I want to give him one too" there was no way she was going without her gift. I think Santa was a little shocked when she gave it to him and wanted him to keep it, but he told her he had just the perfect spot for it in his workshop! Allie is a sweetheart and makes us very proud! I wish we had a picture of it, but we could not take pictures again this year so that was a bummer, but it was one we won't forget. I was not sure if Paige would be scared or not, but she said "Hi Santa" and was fine sitting up there and talking with them.

Allie and Paige loved riding the ponies and horses. This was a major hit last year and we got to ride them over and over. This year Paige got to ride too! She loved it and said "hee-haw".

The whole gang getting ready to go on the horse drawn carriage ride around the property.

There was also a pony show that was new this year. The kids sang Christmas carols and watched the pony show. It did not hold the girls' attention too long so we headed back over to the arena to ride again!

This is truly a magical place and we were glad we got to be there with my parents and Jo-Jo. After we left Santa's Secret Adventure, we headed to Red Robin for a little din-din and then met the VandenAkker's to look at lights. They have a great neighborhood out in Rocklin that is about a mile loop and almost EVERY house on the loop is decked out in lights. It was fun to see them and look at all of the pretty lights and decorations! Paige was a trooper with her broken finger and all (more on that in another post).