Hope everyone enjoys the holiday and new year festivities! It’s been one heck of a ride this year, and we’re looking forward to continuing the crazy in 2020!
Arctic Circle Fun
While Helsinki provided some city fun, and visiting Santa was a real treat, there was tons more to do in Finland, and specifically the Arctic Circle, where the lows got down to a chilling 5 degrees. But, armed with warm winter gear and the occasional hot chocolate or spiked gloggi, we were good to go!
Visiting Santa at the “North Pole”
While people may realize that Santa Claus comes from Finland, few get the chance to meet the big man near his home. We were fortunate enough to make the trek to his secret forest – Joulukka – outside the town of Rovaniemi (where we stayed at Santa Claus Village, of course). In what seemed like…
Hei, Helsinki!
We were off to see Santa Claus in the Arctic Circle (i.e., the North Pole) during Thanksgiving week, but we first got acclimated to the gem of a city – Helsinki! We took a bus tour to get a lay of the land, and explored central Helsinki by foot and even by ferris wheel…
Santa Time!
It’s an annual tradition 8 years running to meet up with the ever-so-kind Santa at Pentagon City Mall. We surprisingly had the place to ourselves on a Saturday morning in November, so took full advantage of a fun, relaxed visit to share hopes and wishes. O wanted to advocate for his Buzz Lightyear toy but…
A Threenager!
Just like that, Mr. O turned three! Since we had tired ourselves out at Hershey Park the day before, we took it a little easy – though made sure he had access to plenty of treats. A few days later, we enjoyed his Moana party with family!
A Hot Halloween
Everyone’s favorite day – Halloween – was a warm surprise this year, with temperatures spiking to 78 degrees before a big storm hit and cooled everything off. To make sure and get maximum candy before the threat of wind, rain and tornados, the boys teamed up with their buddies Aidan and Gavin to scour the…
A Sweet Day
After a four-year hiatus, we returned to the land of chocolate – Hershey – for some sweets, rides and other treats. After a nearly 12- hour day, complete with a surprise bonus of family joining in the afternoon, it was a great, albeit exhausting, time.
Hoops with Friends
Colin was in 7th heaven for his 7th birthday – a basketball-themed party with friends and cousins! It was a solid 90-minutes of activities and team play, followed by a healthy dose of pizza and cake. What could be better? Happy birthday, C!