mixing up cookies with mommy (and tasting too!)

one of the cookies i made were 'Peppernuts', an old german family recipe. no wonder i've heard stories of my german great-grandma having a beer everyday - these cookies take FOREVER to make! the recipe is gigantic too, probably since she had 11 kids. anyway, peppernuts are yummy, crunchy little sugar cookie nuggets, commonly set out in candy dishes and perfect to munch on while playing cards. i don't remember a christmas with out them.

(i gave him an early bath after this)

Crown Center:

Hank loved watching the trains go around this ginger bread village (made by hotel chefs). there were so many school groups there, but i expected it. this time of the year they have choirs lined up all day and i like hearing them. it always reminds me of coming here to sing when I was in school (the 'Loyal Lansingers' or the 'Lansing Sound Spectrum').

Ryan met us during his lunch break and we went through the crayola land and then to see Santa. I didn't expect him to do well, but we walked up to him and he immediately gave him a big wave and smile. i thought, 'wow, this might go well!', but no, he had no interest in sitting on his lap (or on mine anywhere near this bearded guy).

After seeing Santa we ate at Fritz's and he LOVED it (the restaurant where trains bring your food)!! He was so occupied with watching the trains the whole time that Ryan and I had a pretty enjoyable lunch!

Merry Christmas everyone! Remember, as they say:

'Jesus is the reason for the season!'