The Allen's: Our White Christmas!

This year we celebrated Christmas a little differently. Nick and I really wanted to give Sofie a “White Christmas”…so all year we planned on heading to Durango, Colorado for a unique Christmas experience. After giving the idea more and more thought, we decided it would be easier just to drive the 150 miles north to Flagstaff instead.

So, a few days before Christmas we loaded up the Jetta and set out on an adventure. After a short three hour long car ride and numerous sippy cups later we arrived at the cutest hotel chain....Little America

Nick and I fell in love with "Little America" when driving through Wyoming many many years ago. For those of you who have never stayed at one of these unique travel lodges, next time your on the road and come across one of them- give it a try! The first time we stayed in a Little America it was when we were moving to Minnesota, we were only about 19 yrs old and thought it was to coolest place! I think everything on that trip made a big impression on us...we had never been on our own before! Anyway, whenever were on the road and come across a Little America we always stay with them!

This trip turned out to be the just what we needed. It was a PERFECT getaway! Being able to drive 3 hours and be in a totally different environment was really nice and memorable! We did some sightseeing and had some days we just relaxed and enjoyed spending all day with each other.

Sofie really enjoyed the snow. It was the first time she had seen snow! She loved touching it, walking in it and searching for it~! She was fascinated by it! It was too cute, she could not grasp the concept that without gloves her hands would get COLD~ each time she touched the white stuff she looked at us with such a surprised look! We loved it!

Here is Sofie laughing at her Nick while he played with her in the snow.

I loved seeing her enjoy the snow~!

She wanted to go everywhere with her new pink snow boots!

Nick really enjoyed playing snowball fight with Sofie...let's just say Daddy won!

Our second day in Flagstaff we took Sofie for a ride on the Polar Express! This is something that we plan on doing every year, we all really enjoyed ourselves! Nick and I were a little surprised at how much fun we had! The train left from the station in Williams Arizona and lasted for about an hour.

We were really hoping Sofie would last the entire train ride and not get scared or lose interest. Much to our surprise, she loved each minute of it and sang along with the Christmas carols too!

Okay, this picture She looks so enthusiastic!! but she really did enjoy herself!

Here is a picture of the train depot in Williams.

When we boarded the train, they gave each of us our own cup of hot cocoa and freshly baked cookie. Sofie was not such a fan of the cookie...but loved the hot cocoa. While we were on the train they read the book of the Polar Express and sang Christmas carols.

Here is Santa handing Sofie her very own sleigh bell.

The Allen Family- Williams AZ 2009

As posted in my previous post...Nick decided he wanted to buy a Santa suit and surprise Sofie on Christmas eve with a special visit at the hote. Nick was so excited all day for what was coming. Sofie and I headed down to the lobby to see if Santa was down there. Sofie was really excited to see a fake santa down there and I kept telling her maybe if she's good we'll see the real Santa!

And then...just around the corner...came Santa!! Sofie was so surprised and yes...she was a little scared, but did come around.

Here is a picture of some random lady that wanted her picture with Santa!

Everyone in the lobby really liked seeing Santa.

You'll notice no pictures of the three of us...that's cause Sofie would not get close to Santa. Even before, each time we went to the mall she was sure to let me and Nick know..."Mommy, no sit,only talk"! We could not get her to take her picture with Santa!