Each year since Waverly was 5 months old, we have taken her to Santa’s Wonderland at a Bass Pro Shops about 45 minutes from our house. It’s so much fun, there are tons of holiday activities for kids plus a huge aquarium with fish to look at while you wait. I look forward to it each year & love that Waverly is getting old enough to really take part in all the fun now, she was so excited to go!!


Waverly had the best time riding on the “reindeer” carousel, my husband & I took turns going with her while she waved to the other. The cutest. Of course, it was all fun & games until it was our turn to meet Santa. After last year’s disaster, we had been telling Waverly about how great Santa was for weeks, reading Santa books & singing Santa songs every single day. It didn’t work, I got a sweet “no, thank you” when I told her we were going to sit on his lap & then a giant clutch around my neck (plus meltdown) when we actually tried to put her down. There’s always next year?
Still, it was the best day & worth the trip, if you ask Waverly now she loved Santa & told him all about how she wanted a new puppy for Christmas. Her imagination. 😉

We spent the rest of the weekend wrapping gifts & getting holiday ready, then ended Sunday night in the sweetest way, driving around looking at Christmas lights while drinking hot chocolate & listening to holiday carols. The best, we all loved it!!
I also wanted to share what Waverly will find under the tree this year, I have been brainstorming about what to get her for a while now & we finally have most of her gifts ordered!
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Tee-Pee, Book, Old Navy Hats, Pots & Pans Set |
I try to stick to the “something you want, something you need, something to wear & something to read” philosophy, it helps keep me in line & also, I feel like Waverly already has so much that we don’t need to go overboard. I really wanted to get her one big gift so for her want, I ordered this tee-pee on Cyber Monday. I know she is going to adore it!! Lately she has been all about her kitchen (we have this one), we play with it almost every day so I feel like these pots & pans will be great for her. Plus, I consider them a need, I walked in on her putting her baby dolls in the microwave & oven the other day. I feel like I need to give her an alternative before she thinks that’s normal, especially with a new babe on the way! To wear, I got her & baby brother or sister matching hats, my heart could explode just thinking about it!!
Hope you all are having a great week so far!! XO
awww Waverly!! haha "Nope, no thanks" I can't wait for this! Love he gift list and that "something you want, something you need, something to wear & something to read" is absolutely perfect. Keeping that in mind for sure! xo
That little outfit it is too darn cute!!! xx
I had no idea that Bass Pro had a winter wonderland! I will have to see if our local one has something like that!!
Hahaha, no babies in the microwave!!! 🙂 I love that you stuck to this. I totally spoiled Cam this year because we haven't been able to while living in our tiny apartment. Next year, though… 😉 And, I love that she was so polite about Santa! Cam just walked slowly away, backwards. Hahaha!! xoxo
Putting her babies in the microwave 😂 so funny!
Scarlett freaked out at santa this year too, in fact your scenario sounds exactly like ours 😉 there's always next year for sure… But for scarlett im not holding my breath. She's not a huge fan of strangers haha
Ha, girl – I am not holding my breath either! I'm thinking we may be waiting until she is 10 … 😉
Haha!! Agreed…
haha, nope, no thanks is hilarious! Last year when I thought my son would be afraid, I told him that he needed to show his baby sister that Santa isn't a bad guy and that he had to protect her. It worked like a charm and he held her hand the whole time. Super cute. Maybe that will work for you next year?
That is such a good philosophy! Something I should try to incorporate into my life a little more 😉
Lil baby girl was sooooo cute!!! A puppy, what a great imagination! I want one!
Haha aww!! I'm hoping Elliot wants to do it this year! But yes, there's always next year! 🙂
I'm thinking we have luck in about ten years! 😉 Good luck to you guys!!!!!
Lily hates Santa as well. She is very adamant about Santa not coming to visit her house. And omg! I can't wait for the coordinated outfits with little bro/sis!!!
We always make a trip to Bass Pro for Santa pictures. Their's always looks real. =) But I've never seen the reindeer carousel! That looks fun, and I'm a little jealy…
Delta Mae hates the Easter bunny, but she liked Santa pretty well this year. Too each their own.
Ahhhh love it! I want a tee pee SO bad for the babes! I'm thinking that's our big gift next year when Crew is old enough to enjoy it!! I just want this move behind us so I can enjoy the holiday!!
We'll have to go to Bass Pro Shops! Odette loves the aquarium there and could look at the animals all day!!
XO Kelly
http://www.dettecakes.com
Oh, she would LOVE it!!!!!!! 🙂
I love your little saying for shopping for Waverly. I shared it on my blog and need to remember it for next year!