The North Pole.......

We headed to Molly Butler Lodge for our fabulous dinner and to get ready for our North Pole Experience........

The kids had received a special key with their name of it inviting them to come to Santa's workshop which no one has been able to do before......

But not before filling our tummies....

The food was FANTASTIC!

And so were the desserts!
Of course, dinner wouldn't have been complete without 2 girls posing with their silly faces
The first elf we met was 'Sprinkles' who ended up being Ella's favorite elf......

After getting bundled for going outside, Ella posed in front of the fire

Aboard the Candy Cane Express.......we sang Christmas carols, watched the falling snow, said magic words to help us get to the workshop, and listened to the elves

Upon arrival to Santa's workshop, the kids anxiously awaited the door opening after Sprinkles did the 'secret knock'

After entering the building, the kids first listened to the 'head elf' talk

Santa's mail......boy is he popular

The kids wiggled their noses and said more magic words for the actual workshop doors to be opened

Since Santa is so busy this year and needs help.....the kids quickly got to work upon entering the workshop.

The workshop was AMAZING....no detail left undone.

It was full of warmth from the blazing fire and the most wonderful smell of cookies, pine, and Christmas filled the air......

The countdown wall

The most fabulous wrapping station

Fresh cookies in the bakery

The kids continued working to help Santa make toys for all the good girls and boys

The elves supervised the kids

And then came inspection from the main elf

The kids had all done 'quality' work

The mommies had a great time too......taking in all the sights and smells

Ella finds her favorite workshop feature.......a rockinghorse

The kids worked up quite an appetite for cookies and snowman soup (hot chocolate)

They even got to sprinkle and decorate their cookies

Next came elf school.........they headed to their special classroom

The kids listened attentively and learned the lessons

We got to see the elves lockers and their bedroom......

Always rules to be followed

Ella had a tower building race with an elf.......

you can see the cute elf bunkbeds in the background

soon it was time to get bundled and await our trolley back to the lodge, but only after each child got to go in and meet Santa, take a special photo, and tell him their wishes

A group photo......

Ella led the trolley in singing "Rudolph"

Once back at the lodge, the kids met Mrs. Claus and she read them stories.......and told them about her special train that was a gift from Santa

Toasted a glass of wine in front of the fire while the kids enjoyed their stories.....Thanks Ladonna

While checking on Ella, I heard her saying, "Mrs. Claus! Mrs. Claus!"

She replied, "yes sweetie"

And Ella's adorable response was, "I like your shoes!"

.......cute

The kids even got to color a special pic for Santa

The kids loved sweet Mrs. Claus

She even helped them hang their colorings on Santa's tree

You can see 'Ella's' sweet coloring page

They even had some cute crafts to buy....I couldn't resist this sweet gingerbread girl

We soon headed back to our cabin........

The sweet kids enjoyed each other's company until bedtime........

It was such a WONDERFUL experience.....

the kids were in amazement of all they experienced and it was so neat to be able to watch them...