Getting ready for Santa

So Thanksgiving is officially over and it is now time to prepare for the big day that Santa arrives...I can't tell you how exciting this time of year is because of my girls. It truly is a magical time of year and we at the Strader house BELIEVE.

We kicked off the season by greeting Santa in Old Town. Santa arrived by sleigh and 'reindeer' (horses) along with carolers, a band and police/fireman escort. We were dead front in line at Santa's parking spot so we had a great view of his arrival.

Natalie and Ally Cash the reindeer...

Here we are waiting...

Natalie and her friend Irelyn

Santa came and lots of kiddos 'rushed the stage' we hung back on higher ground to keep our great view. Then Santa handed out candy canes. Thanks to Taz for snapping this photo...

Santa then hung out in his Santa Shack while kids sat and wished for their presents. That line was long and those families did not have a view so we'll be seeing him at the mall.

We hung out because the kids were enjoying the carolers...then hit a restaurant hard with the "how many?" 8 adults AND 8 kids - wham...didn't see that coming! I waitressed for 9 years it is my turn to pay back now:)

On the way back from dinner we ran into a FREE balloon man, paid for by the City of temecula ( it costs us about 700 a month for a FREE balloon=taxes). the kids got hats and swords, because appartenly princesses need swords to kill dragons??? We will make this a tradition the evening was a success!

Kael and Natalie have a duel....