Season's Greetings

MERRY MAKING:  This weekend was all about some last minute shopping, and taking part in some holiday traditions we've come to enjoy in Seattle.

One must was a visit to Swanson's Nursery. We've been going there for years now to see their live reindeer and Curly the camel.

The reindeer we up and active, unlike some of our visits in years past. 

And Curly looked to be hungry, munching the entire time we stood watching.

We couldn't help but notice the guy could use a good dentist.

We also checked out Swanson's miniature railroad display. It was cute, as always.

We all loved Godzilla's guest appearance in the scene.

Monday afternoon we headed to Seattle Center to see the coolest Santa in the galaxy, Space Needle Santa. 

We were happy that Rick and Kennedy could join us, since they are on winter break this week!  Here they all are purposely making dorky smiles for the tourist camera before you board the elevator to the Observation Deck.

Once up there, we were surprised to find Santa was on a 'hot chocolate break.' 

So, we killed some time looking around,  We looked at factoid-filled displays inside ... 

and, of course, we made a couple of loops outside.

It was a hazy kind of day, but it was pretty, in kind of an eerie way. And it was so mild! Not a wisp of wind, and warm enough that none of us were wearing coats.

Annabelle and CJ each used telescopes to survey some sights.

Here's what EMP (Experience Music Project) looks like from on high.

Santa eventually appeared on the scene, and the kids enjoyed their visit with him.

Tonight, we celebrated an early Christmas with the big boys, G&G and a family friend and tomorrow, we take our show on the road. 

MEANWHILE, AT NORAD: If you haven't already, you should check out the latest goings on at North American Aerospace Defense Command, where this time of year, they are very busy tracking all the goings on at the North Pole and all things Santa.

Their Web site, http://www.noradsanta.org, has games, movies, music, a library, and more to peruse. 

And here's a nice story from NPR about how NORAD got into the Santa tracking business to begin with - a typo and a good sport!: http://www.npr.org/2014/12/19/371647099/norads-santa-tracker-began-with-a-typo-and-a-good-sport