Storybook Land

There are always a lot of variables at play when we plan a trip to Storybook Land. Weather is the main wild card and I'm always worried something will derail the day until we set foot in the park. December is such a tight window to fit-in all the fun things we want to do and the window is even smaller to spare an entire day for Storybook Land. But, we all had so much fun last year and are eager to make it a tradition (at least while the kids are little). 

I'm grateful we made it work this year and all the stress and details are certainly worth it for the hours spent together in this place that is so special to us. We used our experience from last year and arrived at the park before it opened so we could get in line for Santa right away. We only had to wait 45 minutes while it was still light outside and it wasn't nearly as cold this year. Kip was in a funk right up until he spotted the big guy but their visit with him turned his whole mood around.

The kids sat on the bench and they gave Santa little coloring pages they made. Ivy's was some random activity book page that made no sense and Santa tried his best to be thrilled by her gift. Santa said some super sweet things to Kip about how he is such a good brother to Ivy and you could tell Kip felt tremendous pride hearing that. I almost cried, it was so sweet and special. They both told Santa what they wanted for Christmas and then both willingly took the sweetest photo. Such a difference from last year. 

Then we had the whole rest of the visit to run around the park and go on rides.

We stopped for some hot chocolate, snacks, and Dip-n-dots.

Then more rides. Kip tried a new ride for him called the Beanstalk Bounce and he loved it! And he requested to go on many rides solo for a little taste of independence.

Towards sunset we stopped to get a good viewing spot for when Santa comes up in the chimney and lights-up the park with Christmas lights. 

The kids had a little rave in Peter Piper's Pumpkin while we waited.

Then Santa appeared and made everything even more magical.

One of our favorite things is the musical light show. The kids remembered it from last year and wanted to hang out by it and dance around with the music. We stopped several times. I wish I was able to post a video. Such a special memory.

It started getting really foggy once the sun set so a lot of my photos after this point didn't turn out well. But the fog didn't turn us away. We did as many rides as we could fit and saved the train for last.

The ride home was foggy but cozy inside the car with Christmas music. It was a fantastic day. These are the memories I hope the kids treasure forever. I know I will.