A New Tration?

One of the things about year round school -- year round school which I ate-hay -- (that's "hate" in Pig Latin...it's obviously more extreme if you mean it in two languages) is that when the kidlets are off track you get to concoct activities to keep them busy and happy.  Don't misunderstand me, I love doing things with my kids, but I still hate year round school. 

Anyway, so this week one of our outings (doesn't that sound all Mary Poppinsy...love it!) was to wander over to Gardner Village and visit their elf displays.  We have never been before because, to be honest, I always thought the elves looked a little bit creepy in the online pictures.  Along that same vein I really don't care for dolls that people display either, they seem eerie to me.  One time Josh and I stayed in a quaint little bed and breakfast in Ephraim and the room next to ours was decorated with dolls and I was sooooo glad we didn't have to try to sleep there.  Eek!

Well, the point is, we went to Gardner Village and the elves were adorable and much less villainous than I'd imagined.  The kids had a great time.  Because they were off track and everyone else wasn't we were just about the only people there so we had the run of the place.  We talked to the ducks (Aubrey swore they were croaking like frogs not quacking) and inspected the shops and ended our trip with a stop at the bakery for a fresh cookie.  We had a wonderful morning.

The kids told me they liked the elves even more than they like the witches in October, but I think that was really just the cookie talking.  Still, it was a fun and free (purchase of cookies not required) and fabulous way to keep everyone smiling for the day. 

Singing carols with the fake people.

Bryce trying to help a sad stuck little elf down.

G found his name at the very top of the "nice" list...YES!

Six little cutie pantses and two little elves.

Fun for the fam at Gardner Village.