The Coopersville Christmas Train
Coopersville and Marne provide train rides with various themes throughout the year. The Christmas train, as you may have guessed, had elves, Santa, and a surprise visit from a Christmas princess (aka "Miss Coopersville 2012"). Yes, it was as glamorous as you might expect. The train cars were from the 1950's and I believe our conductor had been conducting since about that time as well. The scenery left a little to be desired and they could have sped it up a bit to shorten the total time, but overall the kids had fun.
Mia wore her favorite U of M Santa hat.
Grandpa and Grandma J. joined us as well, the kids LOVED having them with us.
Meeting Santa was the highlight for the kids, they were allowed to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Santa also gave every kid a little souvenir present.
Carter trying out the conductor's cap (see, pretty sure he has been doing this a while).
The "princess" also read the book "The Polar Express" which is Carter's favorite book and movie at Christmas, so that was also pretty thrilling. It was fun and definitely got us in the Christmas spirit!
Ada Bridge Lighting
We also took the kids to the annual Ada bridge lighting. For some reason I don't have any pictures of the actual bridge, it was quite beautiful when lit up however!
After the bridge was lit, we enjoyed trolley rides and various activities all over downtown Ada. It was fun walking around and shopping in the cute shops as well as doing a few kid activities.
Here are the kids at the Lego exhibit. They built some cool moving parts to a Christmas tree and train.
Christmas Tree Hunt
We also did our annual Christmas tree hunt with Grandpa and Grandma J. It was gorgeous weather for December, barely cold and I think we saw a the sun a few times. Couldn't have asked for better. We got a great tree and had tons of fun with Grandpa and Grandma.
Mia, making her pick.
Everyone loves to get in on the actual chopping.
Carter's favorite part, the wrapping of the tree. He's obsessed with this machine.
Meijer Gardens Santa Event
We love going to Meijer Gardens at Christmas. The place is absolutely beautiful and there are so many fun activities for kids. This year was especially fun because both kids actually SAT and SPOKE to Santa!
Other activities...we also did gingerbread houses, went Christmas light looking, watched favorite Christmas movies, and more! It was a great build up to the big day. More pictures to come of the actual present opening and Christmas parties.
