25 Days Until Christmas - Santa Parade

I love a good count down and I love making lists, so here is yet another Count Down to Christmas!!! 
Today we went to the Santa Parade in Banff.  We were a little worried as the weather in Airdrie was crumby and cold and Sam started saying his throat (and every other body part) hurt that maybe we were making the wrong decision to drive to Banff.  I'm so glad we kept going... the temperature completely changed (+1 at 6pm!), Sam said he felt better and we found tons of fun.  
This year we went to see Santa right away.  Daddy waited in line while Sam and I did some exploring. We found some insanely long lines for face paint and balloons, so we rode the escalators instead and did a craft.  Before we knew it, we at the front of the Santa line.  Sam had a little twinkle in his eye as he waited to get to walk up.  Santa said "Hi Sammy, it's so nice to see you."  It was perfect.

Though Santa was struggling to keep his hat (and facial hair on), Sam was so excited to visit him!

Next we headed out to stroll the main street of Banff for a bit.  We found a perfect Christmas decoration that Sam picked out for our family, we ran into an old friend from Rimbey in Lululemon, had a happy meal for supper and then waited on the street for Santa to arrive.  There is something really cool about being in the mountains... the snow, the lights, the music... it was fab.  A perfect start to a month of time with the family getting into the Christmas spirit.

The street shuts down for the parade about a half hour before it begins.  Shot of my boys waiting with a big beautiful mountain behind.

Christmas love.  Best gift ever.

The sirens of the police car that we leading the parade signalled Santa was on his way.  Sammy in front of the parade.

Sam and Mom having fun.  At this point this parade is almost as much for me as him.  Shaun ran and got us amazing chocolate treats to munch, I wrapped Sammy up with me in a blanket and we were surrounded by that warm fuzzy feeling Christmas gives people.  This was definitely my happy place!

Our tuckered out adventurer at the end of a wonderful day.  Santa parade... check!  Can't wait for all the fun in the days ahead!

Bonus feature!  Here is Sam's email from Santa.  I only wish we would have thought to video tape him receiving this message.  I'm pretty sure he thought Santa could see and hear him.  SOOOO SWEET.  If you have kids, I highly recommend making them one of these... awesome!

http://www.portablenorthpole.com/watch/gTCDXGNaLcf7MRKTmpqw5lQ/p

23 and 22 Days to Go!

We wrote a very sweet letter to Santa on Friday night.  Sam said he's been a very funny boy.  He wishes for a birthday cake and a yummy cucumber for Christmas.  He also wanted me to ask Santa if he'd be seeing his mom and dad.  Finally he said he'd also like to do some dancing.  Best Santa letter I've ever scribed before in my life.  Can't wait to hear back from Santa!

 With 22 days to go, we took a HUGE adventure to Banff for the Santa Claus parade.  It was so much fun.  I've also been on a mission for a great family photo.  Shaun decided that the best place for a family photo would be at the top of Sulphur Mountain.  GOOD IDEA Dad!  A little chilly but a really cool experience!

Here we are heading up on the gondola.  Sam said "It's not scary, it's funny."

Group shot!

A little fun on the pathway at the top.  Very chilly, but really cool.  I'd love to see it up there in the summer time. :)

After a day of hunting down Santa, touring the streets of Banff and fighting road rage in the parking lots we sat along the street waiting for the Santa Claus parade.  There were soooo many people and tons of excited kids!  Banff is beautifully lit up and the mountains in the background were gorgeous.  Here are my two excited boys!

These people were completely wrapped in lights.  Pretty cool!  There was also a drumming band that all the drums were strung with lights.  It's something to see!  I'd recommend it to allllll my friends!

Santa whipped past us (sort of reminiscent of Will and Kate in the Stampede parade!) on this beautiful white horse drawn sleigh.  

Loved this float... it was some big truck thing with a Grinch, Max and the sleigh floating behind.  So neat!

BIG BUS!  Early in the day, Sam was asked to name the bear at the Sulphur Mountain gondola.  Sam offered the name "Puppy".  They gave him a toy version of this bus, so it was really cool to see it drive past us.

A kind stranger offered to take a photo of us with this large Christmas tree.  Not exactly the photo I was hoping for.. they forgot to get the tree!!!!!