Santa's Village 2012

We finally went to Santa's Village last night. We went much later than we did last year. Let's just say....we learned our lesson! We'll definitely be going earlier next year. It was packed like sardines in that place. We went the first Sunday of December and although it was busy, it was nothing like last night. We could easily walk around everything, and only had to wait to see Santa about 10-15 minutes. Last night, it easily would've taken an hour (probably more), so we just missed out on that one. :) 

And I'm sure it would have gone about like this again, so it's probably for the best anyway.

I bet next year will be better all around.

We did have a great time, though. Hudson was able to walk (run) around everywhere and actually experience things this year.

 Silly boy, flirting with ladies in front of us to get tickets.

 I'm in trouble come his teenage years. ;)

I'm a big kid. I love the reindeer! They're so cute, but this year they just looked really sad and a little unhealthy to me. Kind of concerning. Surely they wouldn't have them out there if they weren't healthy, though. That's what I keep telling myself.

Cheese! 

Watching the cloggers. 

Taking a break....pre-meltdown. 

During meltdown. (over his snack cup)

 Post-meltdown. We're all good.

He had a love-hate relationship with the mittens.  

 Reindeer looking a little more lively.

He kinda reminds me of Ralphie's little brother from A Christmas Story in this picture, with his huge coat on...mostly the way he's standing. He obviously doesn't have on all those layers. :)

Making sweet memories!

 He loved Mr. Penguin.

 But....no high five.

 Way to leave a guy hanging!

 We cool, man? Let's hug it out!!

He really wanted the penguin to hold him, but a hug sufficed.  

 There's a Hudson in that tree!!

 I KNOW HIM!!!!!

I love this one. He was in awe of the "snow" they blow every so often. 

I hope he gets to see some real snow this year. 

Determined to get him some. 

 Leave it to my child to rearrange all the decorations. ;)

 We saved the best for last!

Poor hands. Like I said...love-hate relationship with those mittens. 

 Gift shop silliness on our way out.

Hudson thought the whole place was pretty cool. He loved watching the cloggers, visiting the toy shoppe, looking at all the lights, and decorating a cookie. If it hadn't been so cold, I think he would've had a little more patience for all of it, but there's only so much a 20-month old can handle...and a 28 year old for that matter. ;)

A look at the difference a year makes.

We are really excited about Christmas this year, and I can't wait to see how Hudson reacts to everything. I'm trying to make sure I capture as much as I can in pictures and video so I can remember it forever. These are precious moments that I don't want to forget. 

I hope you're having a great weekend!! Have you gotten all your shopping done? :)