We had the best time at our breakfast with Santa at Lion's Gate Coutnry Club. The club is part of the company my husband works for so we have a membership, but if you know me at all, you will know that we are not a "clubby" sort of family. My Handsome Husband takes a chance every time he invites us in to see how his side of the world operates. We are all kind of arty and down to earth. He travels with the club set.
It was fun to have a reason to get dressed up, and have a fancy place to go, that was still kid friendly. I think its important for the little grand fairies to see both sides and experience some more formal places.
On the drive there, the kids told us how they had been practicing their manners. And there was a lot of talk about Santa and just how old he might be, if he was strong enough to chase down reindeer to catch them, and a few other curious aspects of the jolly old elf's life.
Fin was wondering if Santa lived there at the club, or did he just work there. And if Pop Pop worked there too, did that make him an elf?
Dewdrop didn't get the whole part about asking for presents, but she has been very good, so I'm sure he will bring her some ponies.
Everyone was at their country club best, manners were ideal and we all had fun. The only hitch in the whole day of us pretending that we fit in, was when my husband carried the baby around, accidentally bunching up her dress over his arm, as her little panties slid down, so that she mooned the whole dining room.
Her teensy weensy little baby butt was paraded all across the restaurant.
Aren't their dress up clothes cute? I found the girl's clothes at Salvation Army, for $2 each.
I'm quite happy to let someone else pay 50 bucks for a dress that gets worn for only one occasion, then donate it for me to buy cheap. Plus, my girls will wear them over and over as dress up clothes in their play closet.
I can just picture them all as winter fairies in their velvet and lace.
I wasn't so lucky finding something there for Mr. Fin, but he had this outfit already and looked extra cute. They did all get brand new shoes for the party, but that I don't mind spending on, since that is such a practical thing.
We were very proud of the kiddos, and they all said thank you to the manager and to Santa as they left.
The food was amazing. For Christmas Eve dinner, we are doing brunch instead of a big evening meal because Ryan has to work at 4pm. So, I was inspired by some of the tasty brunchy items on the buffet.
How are the plans for your holiday meals going?
It can be a lot of work, but when we all sit down together to eat, talk and be together, its worth every bit of the trouble of pulling it together. Moms and grammies tend to be overworked during the season with a heavy load of shopping, wrapping, grocery buying and cooking. So, days out like this are especially appreciated by me amidst all the rush and work of putting a holiday together.
I will be away from my computer till Sat. the 22nd. Sorry, I can't get new orders from the Boutique or Etsy out in time for Christmas. Next shipping date is Dec. 27th. Wishing the happiest of holidays to you!!
Karla,
Wow the kids are growing up fast! Leandra looks like such a big girl now, when did that happen:) I'm such a bad friend, but things have been so busy here. I finally posted after 7 months if that tells you anything. Think of you often tho & am going to go check out your old posts & see what I've missed.
Lisa
PS Lily's dress this year was also thrifted!
Posted by: lisa | December 21, 2012 at 07:51 AM
Love all the photos! Santa's suit is gorgeous--not your ordinary suit!
Posted by: Janet Ghio | December 21, 2012 at 09:46 AM
That was an amazing Santa, what a face too!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | December 21, 2012 at 09:59 AM
Wonderful pictures of the kids, and that IS the real Santa, I'm quite sure!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | December 21, 2012 at 11:17 AM
He sure had all of us believing in him, Mitzi!
Sent from my iPhone
Posted by: Karla Nathan | December 21, 2012 at 12:27 PM
Don't need expensive clothes when the kids are so cute but that is a good buy. I'm sure the baby butt lightened (laughing here) the event.
Posted by: Linda McMillin | December 21, 2012 at 01:50 PM
What lovely photos of the morning with Santa! Christmas brunch sounds yummy! We're having Christmas Eve dinner -- ham and wild turkey and lots of yummy sides. And something fab for dessert that I have yet to dream up!
Posted by: Laurie | December 21, 2012 at 02:23 PM
Your grandfairies are just adorable, beautiful pictures, I will have mine here for Christmas dinner, can't wait, love having everyone together, actually going to get the turkey now, Have a wonderful Christmas!!
Posted by: Celeste Hude | December 21, 2012 at 06:36 PM
So,so, precious! We do a huge brunch with both sides of the family on Christmas day too. Don't forget those crock pots! I saw a "polar express" hot chocolate recipe for the crock pot that I can't wait to fix for all the kiddos on pinterest!!! Merry Christmas Karla to you and yours!! Thanks for a wonderful year of sharing your lovely creativity! Tara
Posted by: Tara | December 22, 2012 at 08:19 PM