The North Pole

Sorry guys! I started this last Sunday and forgot that I didn't actually post it. Whoops! While you're reading this, pretend it's Sunday December 5th....

One night last week when I picked Bradyn up from school, she asked me where in the world there was snow all year long. Having been caught off guard, I said the Arctic. "No mom. I'll give you a hint.... Santa lives there." After laughing at mom for not knowing, Bradyn asked if we could go to the North Pole one day. Under normal circumstances I would have had to explain that it was too far away. This time, it was the perfect segway into a surprise that I'd had planned for about 6 weeks. When I said "Sure - why don't we go this Saturday?", the look of confusion on Bradyn's face was priceless. "Really?" "Yeah" "Really?" "Yes Bradyn, we'll go after lunch" "Mom, will you write it down so you don't forget?" What Bradyn didn't know was that I had been told about a place called North Pole BC by one of the moms at her daycare back in October. Upon checking it out, I recruited a few friends and we all signed up for the 2:00 session. Our registration kit included an ancient elf map to the secret location and a special template for writing a letter to Santa that we were to bring with us. When Bradyn kept talking about seeing snow at the North Pole I had to let her in on the secret that it wasn't THE North Pole, but rather Santa's BC hideaway. Nevertheless, she was VERY excited.


Upon arriving at the Welcome Lodge, the kids had time to dress up while waiting for our tour to begin. You know how our little Miss B loves to dress up... What a diva!



The first stop on our tour was the North Pole Post Office. The elves accepted each child's letter to ensure that it wasn't too heavy with too many requests and, if it passed, gave it the official stamp of approval.

Once everyone's letter had been approved, the children dropped them into the mailbox.

Next up, the Elven School of Secret Skills. In order to become an elf, the children had to: 1) learn the hand signals required to help Santa land his sleigh 2) how to ring a jingle bell and 3) how to sing the elf song. During their 'graduation', each new elf was presented with a certificate. They were also given a pair of glasses to help them see like an elf (when you put them all, it's like you're looking through frosted glass but with lots of colours).

After all their hard work, we stopped at the Ice Fishin' Hole for a little relaxation, just like the elves do.

We then headed to the Toy Workshop to make teddy bears.

When we were done, each bear was labelled with the child's name and bundled into a basket so that you could 'pick it up' (i.e. buy it) from the General Store before you left the North Pole.

On our way to visit Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, we could see that she had been busy doing Santa's laundry that morning.

We had lots of fun listening to Mrs. Claus read some stories, and we all joined in for a few songs.

While we anxiously awaited our turn to visit with Santa, we hung out in Club Eggnog. Sadly, there was no eggnog. (But thanks for the gingerbread men Diane!)

When it was our turn, an elf led us to Santa's cabin where he was having a nap. We had to tiptoe very quietly into the cabin and quietly whisper to Santa that it was time to wake up.

Bradyn and Diana had a blast chatting with Santa. Bradyn still talks about how silly it was when Santa asked if they had hot chocolate (No) or had gone horseback riding (another no).

No scared girls here...

After our visit with Santa was over, the girls were not about to let me forget that they had to pick up their bears, so off we headed to the General Store. Here are Diana, Jack and Bradyn at The North Pole with their masterpieces.

Much like the Olympic flame fiasco, Bradyn refused to cooperate for a family photo with the official Pole of the North. So, like with the Olympic flame, Bradyn posed for the picture she thought was being taken (just her and mommy) and Kevin slipped into the frame at the last minute.

Merry Christmas!