Brad & Noelle Koosmann & Family: SantaLand 2010

We went to Madison's SantaLand again this year. They completely re-designed SantaLand over the past year, and while Brad missed the nostalgia of the SantaLand he had grown up with, we were both blown away by the detail and overall effect of the new design. When we arrived there was a huge line to see Santa, so we took the kids upstairs to see the actual SantaLand display. The kids LOVED the trains, and Brendan had a good time writing and mailing a letter to Santa. After a half hour we headed back down to see Santa, and we waited in line for about fifteen minutes (which is an absolute lifetime for little kids). Both kids got to see Santa, then we ran back upstairs to see the trains once more, then we headed home (with a detour to the movie theater for a popcorn snack for the way home.)

Brad and Brendan missing the little houses and dolls from SantaLand past.

Brendan LOVED watching the trains (only about half of the set is shown in the picture.) His favorite part was when the train went under a big tunnel.

The kids and I.

Brendan peeking in the reindeer barn.

Megan was in awe of the snowflake area. I let her tug on one of the icicle lights and she almost ripped down the whole strand. She thought it was great!

Megan and Brendan faces.

Brendan's letter to Santa (with a little help from mom): Dear Santa, Thank you for bringing kids presents on Jesus' birthday. I would like a train set just like the one at SantaLand. Love, Brendan."

Brendan, mailing his letter to Santa.

Megan, patiently waiting to see Santa. :)

My beautiful Miss Cheeks, still waiting to see Santa.

Brendan, deep in conversation with Santa.

Brendan had been all excitement before he saw Santa, and when he reached Santa's lap he turned all quiet and big eyes. Santa would ask him questions and Brendan would hardly say a peep. Santa spent about five minutes with Brendan, telling him all about his favorite cookies, his reindeer, and how he gets inside the house. Brendan then told Santa that he wanted a rocketship for Christmas. This was hilarious to us, because he had a solid list of things he's been consistently asking for, and a rocketship had never, ever been mentioned. We have no idea where it came from (and, no, Santa didn't bring him one either...)