Wordless Wednesday: Introducing Batman

Last weekend we tried introducing Peru to another dog. We had met a lady with a year old Corgi mix puppy. The first time we met her we didn't bring Peru with us. We just wanted to see if we got along with her and if she got along with us. The lady who was fostering her seemed to think Gracie was a mix with a Jack Russle Terrier. After watching her energy and bouncing, I could totally see it.

last weekend we went back, and that didn't go well. I wasn't sure how Peru would handle it and to protect the the other dog, in case she was defensive, we got a soft muzzle. Well as soon as Peru saw Gracie, who was bouncing around excited to be seeing everyone, she puffed up and basically stepped on the puppy. We all knew at that moment Gracie wouldn't be going home with us. Sad face!

We went for a walk on the beach because it was in the 70s! As we were heading home, I asked Fred if we could go to the spca where we got Peru to see if they might have puppies. I really think for Peru she'll have to have a young male to start off with. Maybe have some motherly instincts kick in. Unfortunately, there weren't any puppies.

BUT, there were CATS! We lost Pearl in October, and seeing Simba sit by himself all day long without companionship, because really, Peru isn't the buddy for him. lol I didn't actually realize how inexpensive cats are to adopt! I walked around looking at the cats, and then I found the ONE! I just saw him and knew. Honestly, I could've brought home every single one of those cats!

Anyhow, there was this handsome black cat who had mastered the art of rubbing up against the front of his cage. One of the volunteers opened the door and we played with him for a few minutes. Fred and his daughter came in to look at him. I was surprised because neither of them are very big fans of cats, and K is allergic to them. Well, she even took pictures of him! His name...Batman. Holy Bible, not kidding. I figured we wouldn't keep it, but I've been informed that no one else in my house thinks it should be changed. I'm still not used to calling him that so I'll have to find a fun nickname for him. He also has ONE white semi-crooked whisker on the right side of his face. I hope it always comes back white!

I gave Fred the puppy dog eyes, maybe they were the kitty eyes, and he agreed that we could adopt him. I did text Buddy because he would be the one taking care of him the most, and he was somewhat ok with it. I forgot that we couldn't take him home that day. We had to wait 2-7 days. GAH! That was the Saturday before Thanksgiving!

They were also having a sale on Black Friday. I thought the SPCA took a smart take on the day. All black cats & dogs were half off! Isn't that cute! Too bad we didn't buy him the day after Thanksgiving. lol Well, by Tuesday I couldn't handle it any more. I called them that afternoon to see where they were in the process. I mean, we had Peru from 2 yrs ago. You'd think they'd be asking us to take any animal we applied for that very day! Well, I talked to a gal for about 5 minutes, and then she called me back 5 minutes later saying he was ours.

Fred, the boys, and I went to pick him up the next day. I tried doing Facebook Live, but they didn't have any internet inside the SPCA and I kept losing mine so when we actually got him, we really weren't able to share it.

He's fit in super great! Batman is getting along with Simba. He's slowly not freaking out every time Peru comes near him. The first time they met, he ran around Buddy's bedroom and bounced off of me as he high tailed it to the bathroom counter. Poor Peru had no idea what was going on. She just knew there was something furry moving at a high rate of speed.

Batman has been with us for a week and he's settled in. He acts like he's lived here forever. He likes to walk with us as we walk around. He sounds like an elephant running above our bedroom and has a lot of energy at night. Have I mentioned he's just over a year old? He likes his belly rubbed, and he's a big cuddle bug. We're all completely enjoying him!

Welcome to the family Batman!

Hello Kitty Itty Bitty Giveaway

I'm finally in the spirit of the holidays. We've already bypassed Thanksgiving and now we're full steam heading toward Christmas. It seems like leading up to Thanksgiving takes a couple months, and then we blink and Christmas is over and the new year has begun. One of the things that say Christmas to me is Hallmark!

I was so excited to be sent a Hello Kitty itty bitty from Hallmark as a little "thinking of you" gift! Isn't that sweet? I just love Hallmark! I love them so much, I just found out I'm part of their Platinum rewards. Not too shabby, eh?

My kids dig the itty bitty line. Hello Kitty probably wouldn't fit well in this testosterone filled house. My son has 4 of the Star Wars itty bittys. I figured if they aren't going to appreciate this adorable little itty bitty, I know one of my readers will!

Hello Kitty & Friends itty bittys are dressed for the season and Hallmark will make a donation to Toys for Tots for each one purchased between now and Christmas Eve! Be sure to keep that in mind when you're out shopping this holiday season! Also, if you buy one you can get one 50% off until 12/24/16! Check with your Hallmark store or Hallmark.com for details.

Be sure to to enter to win the Hello Kitty itty bitty! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Poinsettias & Holiday Plants At Greenstreet Gardens

Last weekend I had the opportunity to take a tour of Greenstreet Garden's poinsettia plants. I love that they're not too far from me. The closer I am to a garden center, the better. At least in my estimation! I figured touring their poinsettias would get me into the spirit of the holidays. It also gave me the opportunity to wear some fun fall clothing.

A group of people met at the back of the Greenstreet Garden property by the greenhouses. We met Ray Greenstreet and his brother. They walked us down to their greenhouses, which were incredibly huge. As we walked, I started to feel super hot. I couldn't even believe how warm it was half way through November! We stopped outside a large glass greenhouse. I took notes, but don't quote me. I was trying to listen and take it all in at the same time.

Their irrigation design comes from Israel. I'd never thought about how places like Israel grows plants. They've got to collect all the water they can as efficiently as they can. Every hanging basket gets the same amount of water and sun. They have to have the right balance of sun and beams. It was so interesting to listen to Ray about the ideas behind their designs. They collect water from the
 run off of the rain. The slower they water, the less water the plants need.

As we went into the line of greenhouses, I was really cooking! I could NOT believe how hot I was. I was very thankful I dressed in layers. We saw the first room full of poinsettias and we were all stunned by the rows and rows of them. I had no idea there were so many varieties of them! Turns out poinsettias are a community plant. They grow best butted up against each other. It helps them to grow up and then out.

There's also a very important timing issue. Starting September 23rd the gardeners have to make sure there are no extra light on the plants. Extra lights cause them to have growth issues. Ray was saying even car lights driving by would have an effect. Who knew?! Some varieties of plants have different response times ton bring them into full bloom. That's definitely helpful to growing them. They even have trees that start growing in April! Can you believe it?

One of the cool things about Greenstreet Gardens is they started reaching out to stay at home moms and dads to give them employment. They needed people to do a variety of jobs, and they could show up to work after the kids were off to school and be home by the time the kids got off the bus. Isn't that awesome? That's why I always loved working at Menards. I was able to do that exact same thing! They're also looking at employing vets and people from the inner city. Unfortunately with those two groups of people there is a lot of red tape and things they have to follow.

I'm really looking forward to getting the house set up in everything Christmas when we get home from Williamsburg. I'm in the camp of saving Christmas decorating for the day after Thanksgiving. I've already got a ton of stuff ready to go. I wish I had more spots to put poinsettias. I am absolutely in love with the Jingle Bell Rock variety. Those are the ones I want to have around the house! I also love the variegated variety. I can't remember what it's called. There's also a fiery orange one that is really interesting. I wish my phone camera would've captured the colors better. It's days like last Saturday that I wish I had a great point & shoot camera. That or at least a better phone.

Freedom Red

Here are 5 tips to taking care of your new poinsettia from Greenstreet Gardens:

• Place poinsettias in indirect light
• Water only when the soil is dry & don't allow them to sit in water overnight
• Treat it like tropical plant
• Remove the plant from the sleeve as soon as you get home
• Keep it warm. Temperature below 50°F shorten the plant's life.

Have you bought any plants for the holidays yet or have you started decorating?

Chemical Peel From Your Time Medical Dunkirk, Maryland

Last month, the day after we got back from Peru I hurt my back pretty badly. I did it coughing. I'm not even kidding! I wish I were. I felt my lower back snap, and the pain that shot through me was excruciating! I made an appt right away, but had to wait until 1pm to see my doctor.

I've only seen my dr a handful of times since I got my new insurance about a year and a half ago. She doesn't know me well yet, and doesn't know much of my history...which there really isn't much of. Just life stuff. I got into my appt, she gave me some medication, and as I was leaving I asked her with the meds if I could still work. I mean, can you imagine working in social media doing stuff where you have to communicate a message to people. That could get tricky. hahahaha

When I told her what I did for a living, you'd have thought angels had started singing above me. I had no idea what was happening. Turned out she had just started her own business out of her home along with having her full time job of being a doctor! I had no idea doctors had time to have lives! She let me know that she would love to work with me. Oooook

Dr. O owns Your Time Medical. She just got started this fall and is building her clientele here in Maryland. Honestly, because she's my doctor and I trust her, I was on board with whatever she was going to suggest. As I sat there...maybe stood there, I can't remember. We made a plan for me to go to her house the next week because she planned on doing a chemical peel and Botox. I couldn't believe how fortuitous me hurting my back had been!

What most people can't tell, for the most part, is that my skin is losing pigmentation. That or else I'm having issues with hyper pigmentation in a few spots. I'm not exactly sure what. It's just noticeable on my face and now on my neck. I knew that wasn't really going to help, but I'm extremely self conscious of my skin. I was looking forward to anything she could do with it.

I brought my son with me so I could have someone video me on Facebook Live. I also told the doctor I only wanted to do the chemical peel to start with. We got to her house and it was so neat. She explained the set up. There was a large room where she would do her work and a separate room where people could mingle as they waited their turn. So here's the thing about Your Time Medical. You can go in on your own or you can get a group of ladies together and have a ladies night out doing some treatments to your skin! Pamper yourself!

Having a chemical peel is extremely simple. She wipes your face with the chemical peel. Her assistant fans your face. She wipes your face with the chemical peel. Her assistant fans your face. You lay there getting pampered. Not bad, eh? She does this 3-4x and then you're done. I had just gotten back a week before from Peru and my face had been sunburned so I think the chemical peel brought out that color a bit, but it didn't hurt or sting. It just felt like she was wiping my face. I think I recall saying during the Live video that my face felt warm.

I went home with a skin care package that would take care of my face over the next week. I was extremely good about it, and Dr. O kept in touch with me throughout the entire week. She was so funny. I didn't want to be a pest or to bother her, but she was right there, "how's my face?" She explained before I left that I had better take care of her face, yes her face, because she takes it personal. What more could you ask for? She also made sure I sent her pictures to update her. I was extremely thankful for her attention.

The peeling is starting!

Nothing even happened the first couple of days. I actually thought, "ha, her chemical peel thing isn't really working." Ah, famous last words. I think it was day 3 when the peeling began to happen. It wasn't even peeling like I was expecting. I thought it was going to be like a sunburn where patches would peel off. It was more like flaking. I lived by the lotion. That stuff would cover up the flaking. Not for long, but long enough.

Can you see the "peeling"? It was more like tiny flaking

The next few days the peeling spread over my whole face. It wasn't horrible. As long as I kept the lotion on, I had no issues going out in public. I also used a sunscreen. You have to. You have brand new skin coming through and you have to protect it.

The peeling worked its way to my hairline

I think on day 5 I couldn't stop touching my face. My skin was so soft! I can't even explain it other than being able to compare it to a baby's soft skin. This was also the same day that putting the lotion on my face or the sunscreen would burn. I guess it's all part of the process. It didn't last long, just as it got onto my skin, but sheesh that was the only stinky part. I think it lasted through the next day, but I just didn't put the lotion on as much.

I'm a few weeks out from the first day of the chemical peel and I can absolutely feel a difference with my skin. I know you're not supposed to touch your face because of all the dirt and oil on our hands/fingers. I really can't help it though. It feels like an entirely other face.

I still have the issues with the color differences, and I'm not sure that will ever get better. It'll probably keep changing with my luck! lol What I'd like to do is keep up with this. Thankfully it's something that only "needs" to be done 1-2x/yr. It's such a great investment in myself.

Fresh out of the shower and my uneven skin tone, but oh so soft!

Here's what Your Time Medical offers:

• Microneedling
• Chemical peels
• High Quality Products
• Dermal Fillers
• Botox

Take care of yourself this winter and give the gift of pampering to yourself or ask for it as a gift!

Dr. O also gives back. This past week she worked with Project Echo, which is a shared-living program for homeless people! Your Time Medical hosted a dinner with some other people to give back to her community.

Have you ever had any work done to your face or skin?

Kohl's Cares Holiday Collection

It's the most wonderful time of the year! There's so much to look forward to during this season. I don't know about you, but I'm completely ready to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I can't think of a time when I haven't done that. The one store I go to without fail is Kohl's. Not kidding. If you look at my photos over the past who knows many years, that's really the only place you'll find me on that day. So, of course when they asked me to share about their holiday collection, I was absolutely on board!

I've worked with Kohl's Cares a few times over the course of the year. I was thankful for that partnership because I was able to share about what they do and I was able to take the wonderful items they sent me to Peru. We went to a pediatric hospital while we were down there for our mission trip. I had put together 7 backpacks to hand out. I put one of the stuffed animals I'd gotten for my reviews as well as a Clifford I had purchased a few weeks prior to our trip. Then the books that came with the reviews went into the backpacks. There were a few kids who came up to me as we were getting ready to leave and thankfully I still had some of the mini books with me!

Books and toys featured in the Kohl’s Cares holiday collection include:

• Paddington book and Paddington toy
• Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory book and Curious George toy
• Corduroy book and Corduroy toy
• Madeline book and Madeline toy
• The Big Book of Bedtime Stories book
• ‘Tis the Season cookbook 
•  Holiday CD         

In addition to classic children’s books and toys, the new Kohl’s Cares collection features some unique items. The Big Book of Bedtime Stories is an enchanting resource filled with seven different stories to help get little ones to sleep soundly at night. ‘Tis the Season cookbook is brimming with recipes for memorable holiday feasts and delicious treats that are ideal for seasonal celebrations and more. For more than 70 years, Curious George, the mischievous monkey has been delighting generations with his antics and adventures. In Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory, young readers will be entranced by George’s love of candy and his playful investigation into how it is made. The collection is available now on Kohls.com and at Kohl’s stores nationwide.

Holiday Giftables – New This Year!

New this holiday season, Kohl’s Cares will offer gift givers a novel assortment of incredible items for the entire family! Perfect for stockings or under the tree, and there is something for everyone! Pieces are priced at $5, $8 and $12 each, with 100 percent of the net profit supporting children’s initiatives nationwide. The collection will be available starting at the end of November at Kohl’s stores nationwide and on Kohls.com. The new Kohl’s Cares giftables include: 

• 3 pack travel edition of adult coloring books, Orig. $8
• Night Before Christmas book and plush bundle, Orig. $8
• No-sew fleece throw, Orig. $12
• Crayola Winter Adventure Creativity Kit, Orig. $8
• Color and Create Your Own Cards, Orig. $5
• Christmas Movie Trivia, Orig. $5 

To date, Kohl's has raised nearly $300 million through the Kohl’s Cares merchandise program. To reinforce the company’s commitment to children and families, and with your help, Kohl’s has provided financial support to hospitals across the country. The donations fund hospital outreach programs focused on children’s health initiatives and address the specific issues needed most in each hospital’s community.

So, when you're out shopping, leading up to December 27th, be sure to check out the Kohl's Cares display. I'll be checking it out when I'm out shopping on Friday!

How do you give back during the holidays?

World Vision For The Holidays & Giveaway

It's important for our family to give back. Whether we're flying to Peru to do a mission trip, supporting a missionary, or delivering holiday baskets to families in our local area, it's important that we're always trying find ways to give back. Last Christmas we bought 12 items from the World Vision Gift Catalog. This year when I was contacted by World Vision to work with them on a review & giveaway again, it was an automatic, "Yes!" I was trying to figure it out, and I think this is my 4th or 5th year partnering with them!

The work World Vision does is immeasurable! When you see catastrophes hit, you'll find them there. If people are in need, you don't even have to wonder because I'm guessing they've been touched in some way by World Vision. That's why the work they do is so vitally important.

When you begin your gift purchasing this year, please keep the World Vision Gift Catalog in mind. Instead of another set of socks, give 3 ducks or two chickens. It's two gifts for the price of one if you truly look at it. You're giving the person you love a gift of doing something good in their name. Then the person receiving your purchase has the tangible gift. Doesn't that just fill your heart?!

In 2015, Americans gave over $373 billion to charitable organizations, a 4.1 percent increase from 2014 (National Philanthropic Trust). As charitable giving continues to grow, readers are searching for reputable organizations to support. This year, encourage your readers to place their trust in the World Vision Gift Catalog.

The 2016 World Vision Gift Catalog contains more than 250 poverty-fighting gifts, ranging in price from $16 to $39,000, that improve the quality of life for struggling children and families in the U.S. and around the world. Did you see that? Over 250 gifts for you to choose from!

Now, if you're anything like my mom, she has to give an actual gift no matter the occasion. Have no fear, they've got you covered! You can purchase a gift like the ones you see in my photos. You can give your loved one a tangible gift that they can open and your money is sent to where it's needed the most!

Here's little bit about some of their gift items:

Tree of Life Votive Holder – This lovely votive holder is handmade from cast-off materials. Artisans in India work hard to raise themselves out of poverty and help light the way for their children’s education. $65

Upcycled Artisanal Bowl – This stunning bowl is up-cycled from reclaimed industrial waste such as wires and metal. Artisans in India have hand bent and soldered each piece into inspirational shapes to create this artistic and elaborate bowl that is great as a decorative piece or to hold special items. $135

History’s First Coffee Blend – Citrus and chocolate pair up in this 10-ounce whole bean blend of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and Sumatra Permata Gayo coffees from farmers who are overcoming poverty with their earnings. An olivewood scoop and African bag complete the package. $75

For Your Closet:

Turquoise Medallion Necklace – Handmade by families in Delhi, this brightly-beaded medallion necklace adds a bold pop of color to any outfit. $75

Royal Silk Scarf – This gorgeous silk scarf adds color to the holidays and supports the needs of children and families worldwide. The luxurious silk is woven by Vietnam’s Ma Chau villagers, who receive sustainable income through their craft. $95 

Mango Wood Beaded Bracelet - One creative community on the island of Java makes these unique bracelets to help provide a sustainable income and care for their children. The artisan group is led by a mother who pours her heart into her craft. $45

Now you have the opportunity to win this entire set thanks go World Vision! Isn't that just amazing?! Don't forget to enter all of my other open giveaways to the top right of my blog! Have a blessed holiday season.

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Beginner's Bible Trivia Game Last Day

You've made it this far! Good for you! Today's the last day for sharing questions for you to answer. I'll let the giveaway run through Saturday and choose a winner on Sunday! Have you been seeing how wonderful the pictures are in this story book? You can see why we had a couple of them in our home!

Day five

1. How did Rahab let the invading Israelites identify her house?

2. This woman was turned into a pillar of salt because she looked back as Sodom and Gomorrah were being destroyed. 

3. Who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the Temple as a baby?

Have you answered the questions for all 5 days? If not, here's your chance!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Be sure to check out all of the other giveaways I have going on up on the top right side of my blog!

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The Flaming Sword e-Book Giveaway

The Flaming Sword

Author: Heather L.L. FitzGerald

ISBN: 978‐0‐9960068‐9‐7
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink 

One of my goals was to raise children who love to read. My first two and my last were voracious readers growing up. My oldest son, not so much. The thought of reading to him...he'd rather be kind to his brother than be subjected to reading.

This is where Heather L.L. FitzGerald enters the picture. I learned about her as an author from one of my long time favorite authors and publishing house owners, Miralee Ferrell. She began Mountain Brook Ink, and that's how I learned about Heather.

I knew that my son MIGHT give this book a chance simply for the fact that it was fantasy. He likes fantasy and sci-fi movies. My parents bought him a tablet because he said he'd give reading a try on one. He said one of the things he didn't like about reading a book was how the pages felt on his fingers. I think he has some issues with textures.

Spring forward a couple of years and he hadn't read a single book on his tablet. That is until I bought The Tethered Thread on Amazon. I downloaded it and asked him to give it a try. I have to admit, I grew up reading fantasy so I was hoping to read it as well! Then we'd have something to talk about.

Guess what?! He read it. The entire thing! And he loved it. It was such a springboard for him. He has been reading book after book after book. He's even ordered his own books! Not just ones to read on his tablet. He's gotten actual books to put on his bookshelf. Yes, he had to get a bookshelf.

Thank you, Heather! It has made a difference in this teenage boys life.

Now we are looking forward to The Flaming Sword (The Tethered World Chronicles, #2). Here's what the book is about:

Sadie Larcen and her family are slowly recovering from their life-altering trek to the Tethered World. That is until their aunt arrives clutching a mysterious letter and sporting a black eye. The letter that Aunt Jules shares with the family writhes with sinister implications. A new and menacing enemy has slunk from the shadows and is conspiring to seize the most powerful piece of weaponry in the land: The Flaming Sword of Cherubythe.

The sword must—at all costs—be kept from the enemies who lust for its power. The threat extends to Sadie’s autistic brother Brock. As High King in training, he now resides in the Tethered World, within close proximity to the sword. It’s apparent that drastic measures will be required by all in order to protect what’s most important. Can Sadie once again confront her disabling fear, stare evil in the face, and walk away whole—let alone alive? How can one teenage girl and her family save a sword with the potential to start a world war? Will lines be crossed even as Sadie’s faith is tested? Sadie knows it’s going to take a lot more than strength, grit, and courage to survive.

Doesn't that sound like an exciting adventure? What young adult, or adult for that matter, wouldn't want to read this? If you've been looking for a new series to start, you've really got to try this one out. With Christmas just around the corner, you should really put this book set under the tree for them! Still not sure? You can sign up for Heather's newsletter and she'll send you chapter 1 of The Tethered World! How about you read the first three chapters of The Flaming Sword. Remember, it's book two in the series, but it'll draw you in!

Here's a little bit about the author:

Heather L.L. FitzGerald is excited to introduce readers to the realm of The Tethered World. She has always possessed the “what if” gene and an overactive imagination. As a homeschooling mother of four, she spent a lot of time immersed in reading stories to her kids while percolating quite a few of her own. Now that the kids are (mostly) grown, she’s enjoyed getting to spend more time pursuing writing, while her husband of 26 years cheers her on (and scratches his head at the crazy stuff floating around in her brain). She’s part of the North Texas Christian Writer’s group, and helps facilitate the Manet Writer’s group, along with blogging and Beta reading. The past two years she’s also had the privilege of judging a fan-fiction writing contest sponsored by author Susan K. Marlow. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas at Gaylord National

Every time we go to VA (which seems to be all the time these days) we cross over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, as it connects the states. It's only a half our away from us! We also love visiting National Harbor. I'm looking forward to exploring it this winter. So, what are you doing this weekend? If you don't have plans, Christmas at Gaylord National begins November 19th and goes until January 1, 2017. If you already have plans, scratch them. You don't want to miss out on the opening weekend!

 

Fred has told me that he's been there, and everything is spectacular. It takes 30 days to transform the 2000 room hotel into this winter wonderland! Can you imagine watching that take place? Be sure to check the dates for any activities you decided to do!

Within its new Christmas Village, visitors will enter Gaylord National’s most famous frozen attraction, ICE! presented by Pepsi, featuring a new theme of Christmas Around the World. More than two million pounds of colorful ice is hand-carved by artisans from Harbin, China to illustrate scenes celebrating the world’s diverse cultural traditions. The 9 degrees walk-through exhibit will showcase holiday traditions from Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico and more.  Adults and kids alike can enjoy two-story ice slides, an enchanting Parade of Toys, live ice carving by master artisans and interactive photo opportunities including sitting in Santa’s sleigh – all experienced with a provided blue parka.

ICE! featuring Christmas Around the World is open daily from Saturday, November 19, 2016 through January 1, 2017, excluding December 5, 6 and 7. Tickets start at $29* for adults ages 12 and older and $21* for children ages 4 to 11 on value days; and $36* for adults and $29* for children during general admission. Kids 3 and younger are free. Military and group ticket pricing are available. Hours vary and can be found at www.ChristmasOnThePotomac.com.

Following a visit to ICE!, visitors will return to the hotel’s festive Christmas Village. Families and friends can grab a cup of cocoa, shop at the holiday store and experience a variety of seasonal attractions for an additional fee including:

• NEW Cookies with Mrs. Claus experience where kids can enjoy a delicious treat and Christmas story with Santa’s favorite lady (Guests also receive an autographed keepsake book)
• NEW Build-A-Bear Workshop© that lets guests build their very own furry winter friend
• Holiday rides including classic family favorites, the Carousel and Teacups
• Gingerbread Decorating Corner presented by Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas, where families can decorate a gingerbread house, sleigh or ugly sweater with special visits from the Gingerbread Man
• The Elf on the Shelf© Scavenger Hunt booklet to find scout elves throughout the hotel

To experience unlimited Christmas fun, visitors can purchase a Play All Day Pass that includes one admission to ICE! featuring Christmas Around the World, the Gingerbread Decorating Corner experience, admission to three holiday rides – including the Potomac Express Train, The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt and a cup of hot cocoa. The package costs $59.45* for adults ages 12 and older and $59.44* for children ages 4 to 11. Kids ages 3 and younger are free.

The Washington, D.C. area hotel offers additional Christmas events and activities all season long with nightly holiday laser light shows, dining events and more.

New this year, guests can dine with their favorite Peanuts characters at Breakfast with Charlie Brown and Friends. This one-of-a-kind, interactive character breakfast includes a delicious breakfast with Peanuts-themed dishes and tableside visits from Peanuts characters. During the meal, guests can pose for a photo with Charlie Brown and the Gang as a keepsake from the experience. The character dining is available for breakfast on select dates. Photographs are an additional fee. Cost for this experience is $39.99* for adults ages 12 and older and $26.99* for children ages 4 to 11. Kids ages 3 and younger are free.

Check out all of the fun Gaylord National has in store for your family this Christmas season! If you take your family, be sure to show me any photos you share by tagging me on Instagram! I'm @MimiBakerMN and I'd love to see all of the fun you're having.

Where do you like to visit when you celebrate the Christmas season?