I've heard about the Christmas celebration they have at This is the Place Heritage Park and have wanted to try it every year, but it seemed a bit pricey. In the summer, we bought a Groupon to This is the Place Heritage Park and it expired soon, so it worked out perfectly for us.
We met up with the Kellys and ate dinner at Hire's in downtown before heading up to the activities. We all bundled up because it was quite chilly. They did have little fires randomly placed around the park (and Enoch was obsessed with them), but we were all glad to have our mittens and hats.
The first thing we did was ride the train. The kids liked this and even though it was cold, it was still fun (although I thought it was - I'm not sure what Enoch is thinking).
We then visited different houses throughout the park. We did a craft, watched a puppet show, printed a Christmas card on an old fashioned press (the kids really thought that was neat), walked through a live nativity and warmed ourselves by the fires.
The highlight of the evening was visiting with Father Christmas. I think that sounds so much nicer than Santa Claus. Father Christmas was amazing. He was so kind and spent time talking to each child. I wasn't sure how Kate would react, but she was very excited to see him. When it was her turn, she sat on his lap and smiled at him. She didn't say a word, but she wasn't scared. I leaned over and asked Greg when he thought she would get over her fear of speaking in public. Greg said, "When will she get over her fear of speaking to strange, old men? Never, I hope." Too true.
Enoch was next. He had no problem telling Father Christmas what he wanted - a gas powered remote controlled helicopter with a video camera attached to it and a screen on the control to watch where the helicopter was going. Yep, he's six. Father Christmas told Enoch he would think about it.
Father Christmas tried to give Enoch a candy cane and Enoch refused because he hates mint. Father Christmas was shocked! He tried and tried and tried to convince Enoch to try mint in hot chocolate, but Enoch would not be budged. They agreed to disagree.
Gavin wouldn't sit on Father Christmas' lap, but he did get in some gentle sparring with him about his BYU hat. Apparently, this Father Christmas wears red for a reason.
It was a wonderful night. We had a great time and it was a nice break from all the crazy commericalism of Christmas.
kate (Kate wanted to help me, so she typed her name by herself! What a smartie! Of course, it helps to have a short name.)
2 comments:
That looks so fun! What a fun Santa...err Father Christmas. :)
It was a fun night, we should do it again next year!
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