Ushering in the Holiday Season

One of the best things about a tradition is passing it down to the next generation and it seems as though that is something that we are doing with now with Michelle and Bella and the Sweetest Place on Earth.  I am of course, referring to Hershey Park.  Every year for the past twenty some years, Mr. Wonderful and I have taken the kids to Hershey after Thanksgiving as a way of ushering in the holiday season.  It is just beautiful up there this time of year and so much fun!  There is plenty to do as many of the rides are open, including a special trolley ride through the town with a 'special' visitor, Chocolate World, over 2 million lights decorate the park and if you stay at one of the Hershey properties, there are special events all day and evening long that are very family centered.  It has always been a very special time for us and this past weekend we were able to share it once again, this time with Michelle and Shawn, Bella and Aiden.  What a blessing!
Friday evening we went up right after school let out for the kids.  We checked into our hotel and grabbed a quick-and I do mean quick!, dinner.  Then we headed over to the Hershey Theatre to see Disney's Phineas and Ferb Live on Stage.  The kids were totally mesmerized by it and I have to say, Jim and Shawn really enjoyed it too!  What is it about men and cartoons?  Long after Bella has left the room, Jim will still sit in front of the television watching her TV programs and if I should dare turn it off!  Well, let's just say I've learned my lesson.  Ha!

Then on Saturday morning we got up and headed over to the park to have breakfast with Santa.  Another tradition that we look forward to and were lucky enough to share this year with the grands kids. It's so much fun to see their faces as they sing songs with Mr. Music and watch as the Hershey charaters come in for photo shoots with each of them and finally as Mrs. and Santa Clause arrive and take the time to speak to each child.  The joy and wonderment in their eyes is much to behold! 

After breakfast, we went out into the park and played!  We rode rides-mostly we watched as the kids rode rides, but that's what we wanted to do, we went to a show at the Music Box Theatre, we went to a story time, we even visited the zoo!  We had a blast, but it was chilly.  Later in the evening, after the sun had gone down all the lights came on and the park was all lit up for the holiday season and it was beautiful!  We had a great time and by the time we called it a night, we were all tired.  Some more than others!  Michelle who is always thinking ahead, had the kids' pajamas ready and on hand and had the kids change into them in the car and got them cozy and snuggly warm with their blankets in their car seats and both kids slept all the way home.  Once there, it was easy to get them to brush their teeth and jump into bed for the night. 

For that matter, I jumped into bed when we got home too! 

Christmas will be here soon!