Fashion Island and Rogers Gardens

Visiting Fashion Island and Rogers Gardens on Black Friday has become sort of a tradition for us.  The crowds are very tolerable, the decorations are nice, and the weather is usually beautiful.  Most importantly, Fashion Island’s Santa is great, and the proceeds for the pictures go to local children’s charities.

Our 2010 Santa picture.

I hear that stretched smiles are perfectly normal for toddlers, and Katie does it well.  “A little more, Katie.  We can almost see your molars!”

Off to Rogers Gardens…

Kids can see Santa inside the original Disneyland Bandstand.

It took a little while for Katie to warm up to Santa.  She loves pointing out Santa on pictures and decorations, but seeing him in person was something different entirely. :)


Off to explore someplace new.




The Gardens always look nice with their Christmas decorations.

A model train is set up outside.

We were pleasantly surprised to find the Wardlows tonight.  This unplanned meeting was a great surprise for everyone, but especially for Katie and Abby who always love seeing each other.

Putting up the Christmas Tree

After breakfast with Santa, it was time to put up the Christmas tree.  It was cold and rainy all day…perfect weather to start our Christmas season.

Breakfast with Santa

‘Tis the season for breakfast with Santa.  The breakfast was put on by the local Boy Scout troop and held at the Cypress Community Center.  Katie can’t stop talking about Santa, but when it comes to actually seeing him, she needs a lot of coaching.  Silly girl. :)

Santa’s prettiest elves.

I love this expression.  What is she thinking about?

Katie finally got comfortable after a few minutes.

Playing at the Playground

Katie loves the playground.  The swings, the slides, running, jumping, climbing.  It’s all too goo to be true!

“I see you, Daddy.”