tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84932078088078009132024-03-05T06:57:58.100-06:00Keeping up with the KiddosUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-40589117023804309182018-05-20T15:37:00.000-05:002018-05-20T15:40:21.445-05:00Girl Scout BINGO<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hi everyone! It's been a while! I always thought that when my kids became school-aged I would have more time on my hands, but it turns out I was wrong. Life just gets busier the older the kids get. But it's a "good-busy". The bottom line is that I'm busy keeping up with my kiddos and don't have time to keep up with my blog :( </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Until today! I'm always trying to come up with new, fun activities to do with my daughters' Girl Scout troops. Based on the response from my <a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2014/01/daisy-scouts-meeting-purple-petal.html" target="_blank">Drops in the Bucket Daisy activity</a>, I get the feeling that may be looking for ideas too! I came up with the idea to make Girl Scout BINGO cards for an end-of-year party activity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I made 20 unique BINGO cards and a set of Caller Cards. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I laminated our cards so that we could use them year after year.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9v9lqumAxM/WwHYXlfLi1I/AAAAAAAAKJs/joKFoiEaWW08FzqveEtVPWgRhZsakgT0wCLcBGAs/s1600/Caller%2BCard%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9v9lqumAxM/WwHYXlfLi1I/AAAAAAAAKJs/joKFoiEaWW08FzqveEtVPWgRhZsakgT0wCLcBGAs/s320/Caller%2BCard%2B1.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Caller Card 1</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxrzOgh8CAg/WwHYXolTQNI/AAAAAAAAKJ0/iUUqjmE7cHQ6eXMCnneUdbgZjF11MFfwgCLcBGAs/s1600/Caller%2BCard%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxrzOgh8CAg/WwHYXolTQNI/AAAAAAAAKJ0/iUUqjmE7cHQ6eXMCnneUdbgZjF11MFfwgCLcBGAs/s320/Caller%2BCard%2B2.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Caller Card 2</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuCulh1FRzI/WwHYXkBJn7I/AAAAAAAAKJw/t4IohtPjztEKmsATJM_vPQQctNdnlciSQCLcBGAs/s1600/Caller%2BCard%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuCulh1FRzI/WwHYXkBJn7I/AAAAAAAAKJw/t4IohtPjztEKmsATJM_vPQQctNdnlciSQCLcBGAs/s320/Caller%2BCard%2B3.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Caller Card 3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>If you would like to purchase the PDF copies of the BINGO cards and Caller Cards for $5 you can pay my PayPal account and I'll email them to you.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Click this link to pay via PayPal: <a href="http://www.paypal.me/CReeves/5" target="_blank">www.paypal.me/CReeves/5</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Be sure to leave your email address and the files you are requesting in the comments section too. My turnaround time is 1-2 days :)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hope you all have a fun summer!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-50496186020833026082017-06-02T19:47:00.000-05:002017-06-02T19:47:43.456-05:00Bridal Shower BINGO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoChjdZrad8/WTA_f6RXX4I/AAAAAAAAKHY/OFcBmiFlG_ctvs_egUoySAStO7vRnFafgCLcB/s1600/BINGO%2BCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoChjdZrad8/WTA_f6RXX4I/AAAAAAAAKHY/OFcBmiFlG_ctvs_egUoySAStO7vRnFafgCLcB/s400/BINGO%2BCard.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My daughter's teacher is getting married in July and before the end of the school year I threw her a SURPRISE bridal shower with a couple other moms. First, I've never thrown a bridal shower and second, I've never thrown a surprise party. Especially one that involved 40 kids! I was a bit nervous. Long story short...It was a successful surprise and a GREAT party!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I looked all over Pinterest and didn't find a lot of ideas for throwing a bridal shower that involved kids so I had to get creative. Kids love games so we played two games to start: Bridal Shower BINGO and Pin the Veil on the Soon-To-Be Bride.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I looked everywhere online and couldn't find a Bridal Shower BINGO game that I liked and could afford on our limited budget. So I made one instead. It took some serious time but in the end I was so happy with how it turned out! I made 20 unique BINGO cards using 24 different wedding images.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BINGO Card</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoChjdZrad8/WTA_f6RXX4I/AAAAAAAAKHY/OFcBmiFlG_ctvs_egUoySAStO7vRnFafgCLcB/s1600/BINGO%2BCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoChjdZrad8/WTA_f6RXX4I/AAAAAAAAKHY/OFcBmiFlG_ctvs_egUoySAStO7vRnFafgCLcB/s320/BINGO%2BCard.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BINGO Caller Cards</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKfGUxcMmcg/WTBGJs8E3BI/AAAAAAAAKHo/vXI9AyGiFngeFmu7funm9kN5MJ6x2UTeACLcB/s1600/Bingo%2BCaller%2BCards%2BPg%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKfGUxcMmcg/WTBGJs8E3BI/AAAAAAAAKHo/vXI9AyGiFngeFmu7funm9kN5MJ6x2UTeACLcB/s320/Bingo%2BCaller%2BCards%2BPg%2B1.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77d9FP2yMh0/WTBGJi8WDuI/AAAAAAAAKHs/4WtxToEcrV8zGdmSNDYFGTahaqmGDpBzQCLcB/s1600/Bingo%2BCaller%2BCards%2BPg%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77d9FP2yMh0/WTBGJi8WDuI/AAAAAAAAKHs/4WtxToEcrV8zGdmSNDYFGTahaqmGDpBzQCLcB/s320/Bingo%2BCaller%2BCards%2BPg%2B2.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We used BINGO Cover Chips but you could also cut up small squares from cardstock to use as covers. And I bought a few prizes from Dollar Tree for the winners too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>If you'd like to purchase the PDF BINGO files for $5 you can pay my PayPal account and I'll edit the name on the files and email them to you.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Click this link: <a href="http://www.paypal.me/CReeves/5">www.paypal.me/CReeves/5</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><b>Be sure to leave the following information in the comments:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><b>1. Your email address</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><b>2. The files you're requesting (i.e.; Bridal Shower Bingo)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><b>3. The bride-to-be's married name (to personalize the BINGO cards)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><b>My turnaround time is 1-2 days :)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next we played Pin the Veil on the Bride-to-Be. We enlarged a picture of the bride-to-be, gave her a sticker tiara, and laminated the picture. Then we made small tulle veils to "pin". Sorry I don't have pictures of the veils.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hZXxxC3Yl4/WTIC6zJjmsI/AAAAAAAAKH8/QNVzpfNbKWIfoBD6PFLRzLw5DTGz02DcgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0387%2Bpm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1356" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hZXxxC3Yl4/WTIC6zJjmsI/AAAAAAAAKH8/QNVzpfNbKWIfoBD6PFLRzLw5DTGz02DcgCLcB/s400/IMG_0387%2Bpm.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lastly, we had the kids write their words of wisdom for the soon-to-be bride and groom. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D91ajGjY6oE/WTIFOIUvDqI/AAAAAAAAKII/JI_OBCvK9KYUjB7Iub4NtjM6IMloFf_rwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D91ajGjY6oE/WTIFOIUvDqI/AAAAAAAAKII/JI_OBCvK9KYUjB7Iub4NtjM6IMloFf_rwCLcB/s400/IMG_0386.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">We also put together these cute centerpieces. I can't take credit for any of it. Another mom who's super talented did all the flowers and Ring Pops and they looked amazing! We were allowed 30 minutes to set up for the party so this was no small feat! PS - She also made the "Pin the Veil" game :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br />If you want to see some of the other ideas I considered, check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/cireeves/bridal-shower/" target="_blank">Bridal Shower Pinterest board</a>. There are some cute Wed-Libs printables and coloring pages.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">Best of luck!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-25891340093964390622017-02-04T14:41:00.001-06:002017-02-04T15:15:14.831-06:00Valentine Bucket Fillers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aG2pVX3bwEY/WJY1jVdhSxI/AAAAAAAAKE4/fDfBL8NHzSgiePLRhMufgn5gUpEcfR8vwCLcB/s1600/Label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aG2pVX3bwEY/WJY1jVdhSxI/AAAAAAAAKE4/fDfBL8NHzSgiePLRhMufgn5gUpEcfR8vwCLcB/s400/Label.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've had such an amazing response to my </span><a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2014/01/daisy-scouts-meeting-purple-petal.html" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank">Bucket Filler</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> post that I decided to update it for classroom Valentine's Day / Friendship Day parties! We are doing this activity in my 1st graders classroom at their Valentine's Day party. If you are a fan of </span><a href="http://www.bucketfillers101.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank">Bucket Fillers</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, you have to check it out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FIRST we will read the </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">book "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have you heard of Bucket Fillers? Bucket filling is using actions or words to show someone kindness and respect, as opposed to Bucket Dipping which is saying or doing something unkind to another person. This concept is being incorporated in classrooms across the country, seemingly in response to the bullying epidemic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">SECOND each child will get a "bucket" (red Solo cup) to decorate with Valentine stickers and Sharpies. They'll put their name on the outside of the bucket.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gRjVVYPqQmM/WJY6cWmrNSI/AAAAAAAAKFU/h66BB5gaeakk9l_oMDlIQ3N-HNAjf-RFACLcB/s1600/Red%2BSolo%2BCup_PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gRjVVYPqQmM/WJY6cWmrNSI/AAAAAAAAKFU/h66BB5gaeakk9l_oMDlIQ3N-HNAjf-RFACLcB/s320/Red%2BSolo%2BCup_PM.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">THIRD the kids will cut out their heart compliments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FOURTH the kids can sign their name on the back of the heart compliments. We will also pass out blank hearts for the kids to make their own compliments. The paper is red but the scan makes it look pink for some reason.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Small Hearts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Large Hearts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now they're ready to fill each others buckets</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">by selecting a compliment to place in their classmates' buckets. Afterwards, they can look through the "drops in their buckets" that they received and read the compliments from their friends. We will talk about how when you fill someone else's bucket, it makes you feel good and you end up filling your own bucket as well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you would like to purchase PDF copies of the "heart" files for $2 you can pay my PayPal account and I'll email them to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Click this link: <a href="http://www.paypal.me/CReeves/2" target="_blank">www.paypal.me/CReeves/2</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be sure to leave your email address and specify that you want the "heart files" in the comments too! My turnaround time is 1-2 days :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-25225136578893665712016-12-15T11:38:00.001-06:002016-12-15T11:40:58.546-06:00Grinch Dust -- 3rd Grade Christmas Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1P2CWNzAaw/WFLVn8yrVQI/AAAAAAAAKEI/y5Pvm5KBSbUzsJPQZ60aMcT83lpjjfwGwCLcB/s1600/Grinch%2BDust%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1P2CWNzAaw/WFLVn8yrVQI/AAAAAAAAKEI/y5Pvm5KBSbUzsJPQZ60aMcT83lpjjfwGwCLcB/s400/Grinch%2BDust%2BCollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm knee deep in planning classroom Christmas parties for my 1st and 3rd grader but I just had to share this fun holiday idea. Be sure to read to the end! We are planning a Grinch themed party for the 3rd graders. Here are the details:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Pin the Heart on the Grinch</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We found some free printable Pin the Heart on the Grinch games here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.twindragonflydesigns.com/pin-heart-grinch-activity-free-printable/" target="_blank">Free Printable #1</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.seussville.com/growyourheart/activities" target="_blank">Free Printable #2</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvrFTbRGkGg/WFLLcOHxu6I/AAAAAAAAKDM/RyOTJ2LuLzonHdt1CH89wbs24uUWhbZywCLcB/s1600/Pin%2Bthe%2BHeart%2Bon%2Bthe%2BGrinch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvrFTbRGkGg/WFLLcOHxu6I/AAAAAAAAKDM/RyOTJ2LuLzonHdt1CH89wbs24uUWhbZywCLcB/s400/Pin%2Bthe%2BHeart%2Bon%2Bthe%2BGrinch.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Grinch Ornament</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are using clear plastic ornaments and filling them with green tissue paper, red hearts and jingle bells. The hanger is a sparkly green pipe cleaner. And the kids can write their name on their ornaments with red and green paint pens.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxQT-SGDk0g/WFLMbE9OtpI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/m-PNhyuPuf4FzaAft6f5OfgKHgTK9RU2gCLcB/s1600/Grinch%2BOrnaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxQT-SGDk0g/WFLMbE9OtpI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/m-PNhyuPuf4FzaAft6f5OfgKHgTK9RU2gCLcB/s400/Grinch%2BOrnaments.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Christmas Coal and Grinch Juice</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The snack will be Christmas Coal made from Cocoa Krispies and marshmallows and green "Grinch Juice".</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZFRC15ISco/WFLOJ932tSI/AAAAAAAAKDc/wV_R6kquLokl200UbM9M24mNjugGjKCnQCLcB/s1600/Christmas%2BCoal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZFRC15ISco/WFLOJ932tSI/AAAAAAAAKDc/wV_R6kquLokl200UbM9M24mNjugGjKCnQCLcB/s400/Christmas%2BCoal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZxdqMkTc-0/WFLONZq9STI/AAAAAAAAKDg/Kf_rRPzk6TgPIGqgzIEbnJsM5T3yiSZJgCLcB/s1600/Shrek%2BDrink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZxdqMkTc-0/WFLONZq9STI/AAAAAAAAKDg/Kf_rRPzk6TgPIGqgzIEbnJsM5T3yiSZJgCLcB/s400/Shrek%2BDrink.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Grinch Dust</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My favorite part!! The kids will get to take home a bag of Grinch Dust. I made these using a lot of sugar and green food coloring. The Wilton Icing Colors has the best color green. I also threw in some green sprinkles.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCrj5KsQDlU/WFLPuIO4i4I/AAAAAAAAKDs/d9j4oATu9wMisJJ1gkmOhcYqb-ZR2ZtPwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCrj5KsQDlU/WFLPuIO4i4I/AAAAAAAAKDs/d9j4oATu9wMisJJ1gkmOhcYqb-ZR2ZtPwCLcB/s400/IMG_7653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I used Wilton 3x4 Treat Bags (you can find them at Walmart or Michaels).</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8F8VG_ZQ89c/WFLSh82QXVI/AAAAAAAAKD4/sd6d7Q7nE-EtMTvhSHOubMFLY-QqomCngCLcB/s1600/Wilton%2BBags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8F8VG_ZQ89c/WFLSh82QXVI/AAAAAAAAKD4/sd6d7Q7nE-EtMTvhSHOubMFLY-QqomCngCLcB/s400/Wilton%2BBags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And I made these fun tags for the bags.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhXB7KrZqcs/WFLSu5BSpAI/AAAAAAAAKEA/GMUaXTdBXI87zDhs17-cT1Vl7k_LP0ceQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhXB7KrZqcs/WFLSu5BSpAI/AAAAAAAAKEA/GMUaXTdBXI87zDhs17-cT1Vl7k_LP0ceQCLcB/s400/IMG_7646.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(this bag has all green sprinkles in it)</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQMbIvS4sOI/WFLSuxSDuwI/AAAAAAAAKD8/qNHO8Cj0qGUcmyofG5ZpGqtxNiBv6UlSgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQMbIvS4sOI/WFLSuxSDuwI/AAAAAAAAKD8/qNHO8Cj0qGUcmyofG5ZpGqtxNiBv6UlSgCLcB/s400/IMG_7647.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you'd like to purchase the PDF file for the tags, you can send $1.50 to my PayPal account and I'll email them to you. </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.49px;">Be sure to leave your email address and the files you're requesting in the comments too! My turnaround time is 1-2 days :)</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Click this link:</b> <a href="http://www.paypal.me/CReeves/1.50">www.paypal.me/CReeves/1.50</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-89157307702300421202016-10-12T14:12:00.004-05:002020-11-09T04:39:11.436-06:00Clara's Paw Patrol Birthday Party<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hi! I'm still here! I've been too busy to blog lately, but Clara just celebrated her 4th birthday and the Paw Patrol party was a HUGE hit so I thought I'd share. PS - I was not paid by Nick Jr for this post. I just loved all their free stuff!!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbWSSaC7gwo/V_6H5TLqYmI/AAAAAAAAKCM/NOaeY0w61NMIdSch2CEtYee7MCKpzUMiACLcB/s1600/IMG_6712.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbWSSaC7gwo/V_6H5TLqYmI/AAAAAAAAKCM/NOaeY0w61NMIdSch2CEtYee7MCKpzUMiACLcB/s400/IMG_6712.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">PART 1: GAMES</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Pin the Badge on Skye</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This free poster came from the <a href="http://www.nickelodeonparents.com/hub/paw-patrol-party/" target="_blank">Nick Jr. Paw Patrol website</a>. I taped the poster together and also taped it to a piece of pink poster board, then laminated it. I cut out the badges and laminated them as well so everything could be reused.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-habDKR2zpoY/V_50u5B6jCI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/X9dNfVSLD9Y07IrODX8HSHZs8DF897IkACLcB/s1600/IMG_6524.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-habDKR2zpoY/V_50u5B6jCI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/X9dNfVSLD9Y07IrODX8HSHZs8DF897IkACLcB/s400/IMG_6524.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAT570NgmWY/V_52SXj-SII/AAAAAAAAJ_s/X3s5aJe44c4dmBbWZKT89RAarHHXB7A-gCLcB/s1600/Pin%2Bthe%2BBadge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAT570NgmWY/V_52SXj-SII/AAAAAAAAJ_s/X3s5aJe44c4dmBbWZKT89RAarHHXB7A-gCLcB/s320/Pin%2Bthe%2BBadge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Clara's first attempt was a little bit off ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Photo Booth Props</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The photo booth props were also free printables on the <a href="http://www.nickelodeonparents.com/hub/paw-patrol-party/" target="_blank">Nick Jr. Paw Patrol Website.</a> I cut out and laminated the Skye masks as well so that they wouldn't tear. I found the pink elastic cord at Michaels.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2j6jzjoHjbs/V_53CDhcM-I/AAAAAAAAJ_w/JuOrkizBol0LT5P8HIDF8x9l1xg0ZDT5gCLcB/s1600/IMG_6531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2j6jzjoHjbs/V_53CDhcM-I/AAAAAAAAJ_w/JuOrkizBol0LT5P8HIDF8x9l1xg0ZDT5gCLcB/s400/IMG_6531.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I didn't laminate the Paw Patrol face cut out but I did tape it to white poster board.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otA37YNwyHw/V_533PXkiHI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/IqD1ShNHVxEBUzgaqoZTEc0tUKIcetWLgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6539.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otA37YNwyHw/V_533PXkiHI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/IqD1ShNHVxEBUzgaqoZTEc0tUKIcetWLgCLcB/s400/IMG_6539.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-QjG8QHX64/V_540l0ZqLI/AAAAAAAAJ_4/35FTqGWOPH4SYApjlr1UEmX7pu-n7KD3wCLcB/s1600/Photo%2BBooth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-QjG8QHX64/V_540l0ZqLI/AAAAAAAAJ_4/35FTqGWOPH4SYApjlr1UEmX7pu-n7KD3wCLcB/s400/Photo%2BBooth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I made the backdrop for the photo booth using brown craft paper and circle punches to make the paw prints.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN9BCFRyUZw/V_55kmPbSII/AAAAAAAAKAA/8rPi7aKaveQFa-5Owaj6oPxcrI96_QbwACLcB/s1600/IMG_6704.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN9BCFRyUZw/V_55kmPbSII/AAAAAAAAKAA/8rPi7aKaveQFa-5Owaj6oPxcrI96_QbwACLcB/s400/IMG_6704.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuBegq6d9AM/V_55klFWNQI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/8CQeJALzUkAuIS3wMyxAvoUqR8j1-aErQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6705.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuBegq6d9AM/V_55klFWNQI/AAAAAAAAJ_8/8CQeJALzUkAuIS3wMyxAvoUqR8j1-aErQCLcB/s400/IMG_6705.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(see <b>Part 6: Templates</b> for info about signs)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">PART 2: DECORATIONS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Table Decor</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Paw Patrol confetti on the tables came from a <a href="http://www.nickelodeonparents.com/hub/paw-patrol-party/" target="_blank">Nick Jr. Paw Patrol</a> Potty Chart free printable. I made the table runner using the same materials from the photo booth. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ddsRh1JwrA/V_56Mv9P_LI/AAAAAAAAKAE/-9l4gqo_Hl4Bc1N0Nn-A1j8A9eqZOzUcACLcB/s1600/IMG_6553.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ddsRh1JwrA/V_56Mv9P_LI/AAAAAAAAKAE/-9l4gqo_Hl4Bc1N0Nn-A1j8A9eqZOzUcACLcB/s400/IMG_6553.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1u7Z1iOl3Y/V_56ja9LBnI/AAAAAAAAKAM/vWq59D8YlzoLf-gjSbdTeOVNfGxUl-AWACLcB/s1600/IMG_6690.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1u7Z1iOl3Y/V_56ja9LBnI/AAAAAAAAKAM/vWq59D8YlzoLf-gjSbdTeOVNfGxUl-AWACLcB/s400/IMG_6690.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-An-xd1Oo62w/V_56jLRNLiI/AAAAAAAAKAQ/TrYedes5C8AViQyJlHLiRjaj0x1zwPGlwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6691.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-An-xd1Oo62w/V_56jLRNLiI/AAAAAAAAKAQ/TrYedes5C8AViQyJlHLiRjaj0x1zwPGlwCLcB/s400/IMG_6691.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Birthday Wreath</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2012/04/birthday-balloon-wreath.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see how I made our birthday balloon wreath.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFE427kIFkU/V_6AeAIqbeI/AAAAAAAAKBA/KJ1wEDHi1OAhQD8Fry_0EiPhKfkOVjmMACLcB/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFE427kIFkU/V_6AeAIqbeI/AAAAAAAAKBA/KJ1wEDHi1OAhQD8Fry_0EiPhKfkOVjmMACLcB/s400/IMG_6698.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">PART 3: FOOD</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Snacks</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I found these cute dog bowls at Dollar Tree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Cake</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had a local baker make this cute cake based off a picture I found online. We used Clara's toys as cake toppers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">PART 4: BIRTHDAY OUTFIT</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I found Clara's outfit (pants, shirt and bow) on Etsy. Unfortunately, when I received the outfit two days before the party the shirt had been made incorrectly! She's only turning 4!!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHn67-XasqQ/V_59qbsIn7I/AAAAAAAAKAo/UZWw5bQkaqon73qfOlEXoH-0cErBgGPBACLcB/s1600/IMG_6559.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHn67-XasqQ/V_59qbsIn7I/AAAAAAAAKAo/UZWw5bQkaqon73qfOlEXoH-0cErBgGPBACLcB/s400/IMG_6559.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Etsy shop couldn't send me a replacement in time for the party so they just refunded my money. Luckily I have wonderful friends who came to my rescue. One friend loaned me a Paw Patrol shirt to match Clara's outfit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-burZTWCM7Io/V_59_DIIlxI/AAAAAAAAKAs/xkgQzSaOsnUIUKFnmyN3lDiQb37Ol4HCACLcB/s1600/IMG_6662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-burZTWCM7Io/V_59_DIIlxI/AAAAAAAAKAs/xkgQzSaOsnUIUKFnmyN3lDiQb37Ol4HCACLcB/s400/IMG_6662.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And another friend had this cute matching shirt made at <a href="http://www.zoeyspersonalizedgifts.com/" target="_blank">Zoey's Attic</a> in time for the party!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm so grateful to have awesome friends in my life :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">PART 5: ACTIVITY STATIONS</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All of the signs that you see can be tailored for your party and purchased. See </span><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Part 6: Templates</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Station 1: Clara's Pet Adoption Store</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wrapped a cardboard box in a green plastic table cloth. Then I used white card stock to make the fence. The Adoption Certificate and Pet License came from the <a href="http://www.nickelodeonparents.com/hub/paw-patrol-party/" target="_blank">Nick Jr. Paw Patrol website</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The girls are obsessed with Beanie Boos!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I cut out the Adoption Certificates and Pet Licenses and taped them to card stock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Station 2: Clara's Animal Hospital</u></span><br />
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<u style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Station 3: Clara's Pet Grooming</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I found the Paw Patrol lanyards at Party City. I used elastic hair bands as a pet collar to attach the lanyard like a like a lease.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Station 4: </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Decorate a Dog Bone</span></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I used a template to make the dog bones and found the stickers at Dollar Tree. I used white card stock to make the bones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Station 5: Make your own Pup Tag</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I found the Pup Tag template on the <a href="http://www.nickelodeonparents.com/hub/paw-patrol-party/" target="_blank">Nick Jr. website</a>. I used card stock and thin ribbon for the pup tags.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also printed off some coloring pages from the <a href="http://www.nickelodeonparents.com/hub/paw-patrol-party/" target="_blank">Nick Jr. website</a>. I found the Paw patrol bucket holding the markers at Party City.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">PART 6: TEMPLATES</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you'd like to purchase tailored PDF templates for your party</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Click the link to my Paypal account to pay the $5 for the templates:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Click this link: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/CReeves/5" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/CReeves/5</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Leave your email address, the name of your son/daughter (so I can edit your files) and the type of party you're having in the PayPal comments. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My turnaround time is 2-3 days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can also tailor the files for other animals if you are not using dogs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>Happy 4th Birthday to my baby. Mama loves you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For more ideas, check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/cireeves/paw-patrol-birthday-party/" target="_blank">Paw Patrol Birthday Party Pinterest board</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Also check out my <a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2014/03/puppy-dog-kitty-cat-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">Puppy Dog & Kitty Cat Birthday Party</a> post and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/cireeves/kitty-puppy-birthday-party/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a> for ideas!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-49469753757317480532015-12-22T20:22:00.001-06:002015-12-22T20:23:34.314-06:00Happy Holidays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for all your support in 2015. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The New Year is going to start off slow for my blog, but I hope to be back in action by March.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wishing you all a Happy 2016!</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-50777759272164023002015-12-16T12:33:00.000-06:002015-12-16T12:33:37.629-06:00Portable North Pole Christmas Videos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrTE4czp4LM/VnGA6stSjzI/AAAAAAAAJ5w/-DJut-7B7fA/s1600/Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrTE4czp4LM/VnGA6stSjzI/AAAAAAAAJ5w/-DJut-7B7fA/s400/Santa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm so excited to share with you the super fun and magical <a href="https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/" target="_blank">Portable North Pole</a> videos and phone calls this year! </span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Christmas is such a magical time of year, especially with little ones. You can make it even more special with</span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> personalized video messages and phone calls from Santa Claus, delivered directly from his North Pole village! It's a great family tradition that my girls (and I!) look forward to every year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And the best news </b></span>... one of you will receive a voucher for a <b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">FREE </span><a href="https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/store/passes" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Gold Pass</span></a></b>!! The Gold Pass costs $12.99 and allows you to create as many premium videos and phone calls as you'd like. You can also download your videos in HD. Keep reading to find out how to enter to win an Gold Pass!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrLeTpYFhzY/VnGl9o3m2DI/AAAAAAAAJ6U/NTF0LwE9XkA/s1600/Elves%2BSinging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrLeTpYFhzY/VnGl9o3m2DI/AAAAAAAAJ6U/NTF0LwE9XkA/s400/Elves%2BSinging.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><a href="https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/store/videos" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">VIDEOS</span></a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">Last year I created free PNP video messages from Santa for each of the girls. I even did a free grown-up video for Tim :) The girls <u>still</u> remind him about how he was on Santa's naughty list! This year I created unique premium video messages for each of the girls. There are 7 storylines to choose from so each of my girls will receive a different message from Santa. <a href="https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/store/videos/premium-video" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see some examples of the premium videos. Portable North Pole donates 5% of all proceeds from online sales to children’s hospitals around the world. Since 2012, PNP has donated over $100,000!</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><a href="https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/store/calls/call" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">PHONE CALLS</span></a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">There are 17 different <a href="https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/store/calls/call" target="_blank">phone calls</a> to choose from and one was perfect for my girls - the "Not home for Christmas?" call. We are living at my parents' house right now because our home looks like this...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Ava wrote Elvis, our Elf on the Shelf, a note with detailed instructions on how to get to Nana and Papa's house in the hopes that he'd relay the message to Santa :) I can't wait for her to get Santa's phone call on Christmas Eve!!! She's going to FREAK OUT!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YgnxlyibUw/VnGh6NwDD5I/AAAAAAAAJ6E/tRKh5Luffv4/s1600/Elves%2B%2526%2BApps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YgnxlyibUw/VnGh6NwDD5I/AAAAAAAAJ6E/tRKh5Luffv4/s400/Elves%2B%2526%2BApps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>MOBILE APP</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't forget to check out the <a href="https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/mobile-apps" target="_blank">PNP Mobile App</a>. You can create, watch and send videos and calls from your mobile devices. Your kids will love the exclus</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ive kid-friendly section with fun games and activities!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>ENTER TO WIN!!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Leave a comment below by Saturday, December 19th and I will randomly select a winner on December 20th. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you with your voucher code for your GOLD PASS!</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Merry Christmas from my 3 little elves!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiAxHJ9avHI/VnGtqZimZLI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/rFzwx8O6Rbs/s1600/Santa%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiAxHJ9avHI/VnGtqZimZLI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/rFzwx8O6Rbs/s400/Santa%2B3.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>And thank you for all your support in 2015!</b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-21059095653861016182015-12-03T08:43:00.000-06:002015-12-03T08:43:37.332-06:00Pumpkin Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1N5d3R7R_Ks/VljwPwRnF4I/AAAAAAAAJ3s/sZNpuKGTjfU/s1600/IMG_2744_pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1N5d3R7R_Ks/VljwPwRnF4I/AAAAAAAAJ3s/sZNpuKGTjfU/s400/IMG_2744_pm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love baking with pumpkin. This is the new pumpkin recipe that I tried out this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 1/2 cups quick oats</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 tsp baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3/4 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1/4 tsp ground nutmeg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1/4 tsp ground ginger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 cup unsalted butter, softened</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 1/3 cups packed light-brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2/3 cup granulated sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 large egg </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin puree</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Instructions:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger for 30 seconds, set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy (occasionally stop and scrape down sides and bottom of bowl throughout entire mixing process). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Blend in egg then blend in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. Mix in chocolate chips (if you want some chocolate to show through set some aside to press into tops before baking). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. Let batter rest 5 - 10 minutes (this just gives the oats some time to absorb the liquids so batter isn't so sticky and cookies don't spread so much).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7. Scoop dough out 2 Tbsp at a time and drop onto parchment paper lined baking sheets, spacing cookies 2-inches apart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8. Bake in preheated oven 12 - 14 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet several minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Yield:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4 dozen cookies</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Step 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Step 4</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Step 5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Step 7</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The muffins turned out great too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-60470696462522784742015-11-01T09:16:00.001-06:002015-12-05T17:56:02.137-06:002015 St. Louis Holiday Events<div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYbXe-JM-zI/Vifi4YRc__I/AAAAAAAAJ28/8iIjEURNrKM/s1600/Arch%2B6_pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYbXe-JM-zI/Vifi4YRc__I/AAAAAAAAJ28/8iIjEURNrKM/s400/Arch%2B6_pm.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy Holidays St. Louis!!! My list is a work in process. Some popular St. Louis locations have not yet posted their holiday events online so be sure to check back. If you have any events to add, please leave them in the Comments section. Also be sure to check the website links for accurate dates and times of operation.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>EVENTS</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1500963806867440/" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Polar Pajama Party with Santa</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 7 @ 10am - 12pm @ West County Center</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
<a href="http://www.paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=554671" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Neon Snowman Family Friendly Class</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 7 @ 12 - 1:30pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/107267916292743/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Old Webster Holiday Open House</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 8 @ 10am - 5pm</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageBasicC?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&appID=86915&cm_ven=redirect&cm_cat=mktg&cm_pla=bps&cm_ite=santa&cm_sp=SantaWlandNov2013_RD" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop - St. Charles</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>November 14 - December 24</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.town-and-country.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=383&day=19&month=11&year=2015&calType=0" target="_blank">Longview Farm House Holiday Boutique</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 14 @ 9am - 3pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lyn.buchmiller/posts/10207534488856957" target="_blank">Holiday Boutique with Santa and his live reindeer</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 14 @ 9am - 3pm @ </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Berkshire Hathaway's Town & Country Office</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.taubmanprestigeoutlets.com/treelighting" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Taubman Prestige Outlets Tree Lighting Ceremony</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 14 @ 4-7 pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/event-details/sreventid/1528/eventmonth/11/eventyear/2015.aspx" target="_blank">Victorian Christmas at the Tower Grove House</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 18 - January 3 @ 10am - 4pm</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stlballparkvillage.com/entertainment/event/7030" target="_blank">Winter Movie Night at Ballpark Village: How to Train your Dragon</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 18 @ 5pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.brewerylights.com/" target="_blank">AB Brewery Lights</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 19 - January 3 @ 5 - 10pm (Thursdays - Sundays)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.stpetersmo.net/calendar-details.aspx?eid=1421" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">St. Peters Tree Lighting Ceremony</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 20 @ 6:30 - 9pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.stlpolarexpressride.com/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Polar Express Train Ride</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 20 - December 31</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/signature-events/gardenland-express.aspx" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">MO Botanical Garden: Gardenland Express</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21 - January 3</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.downtownkirkwood.com/events/holiday-walk.aspx" target="_blank">Downtown Kirkwood: Holiday Walk</a> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21 @ 9:30am</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.kpl.lib.mo.us/pages/all-ages/all-users/press-releases" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Friends of the Libary Children's Holiday Shopping</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21 @ 10am - 2pm @ Kirkwood Library Children's Room </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.kpl.lib.mo.us/content/all-ages/all-users/kirkwood-public-library-calendar-events" target="_blank">Music in the Library: Kirkwood Children's Chorale</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21 @ 1 – 2pm</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.americangirl.com/retailstore/saint-louis#specialEvents" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">American Girl Store: Together, We Make the Holidays</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21; December 5, 12, 19</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=554681" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Crazy Reindeer Family Class</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21 @ 12:30 - 2:30pm (St. Peter's location)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=554676" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Curly Christmas Tree Teen Family Class</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21 @ 1 - 3pm </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(St. Peter's location)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.eureka.mo.us/visitors/special-city-wide-events/holiday-tree-lighting/" target="_blank">Eureka: Holiday Tree Lighting</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21 @ 5 - 8pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.rivercity.com/dining/the-gingerbread-house-experience" target="_blank">The Gingerbread House Experience</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 23 - December 25 @ 7am - 9pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.slsc.org/showtimes" target="_blank">Santa vs. the Snowman @ OMNIMAX Theater at the Science Center</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 23 @ 10am</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.christmasinstlouis.org/thanksgiving-day-parade/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Ameren MO Thanksgiving Day Parade</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 26 @8:45am @ 7th and Market Street</span><br />
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<a href="http://transportmuseumassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Museum-of-Transportation-DesLee-model-trains.pdf" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">E. Desmond Lee Holiday Train Display @ Museum of Transportation</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 - December 30 (Thursday - Sunday)</span><br />
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<a href="http://transportmuseumassociation.org/event-calendar/cat_ids~44/" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Visit with Santa @ Museum of Transportation</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 @ 10am - 2pm & </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 1 - 4pm</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.historicstcharles.com/things-to-do/christmas-traditions/" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Christmas in Historic St. Charles</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 – December 24 on Historic Main Street</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.bigjoelsafari.com/big-joel-safari-events--calendar.html" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Big Joel's Winter Wonderland</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 – December 20</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/visit/family-of-attractions/butterfly-house/things-to-do-at-the-butterfly-house/signature-events/winter-jewels.aspx" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Butterfly House: Winter Jewels</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 – January 3 @ 10am to 3pm (Tuesday through Sunday)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.gandermountain.com/assets/pdf/storeloc/flyers/Bag_Stuffer__Fenton.pdf" target="_blank">Gander Mountain Holiday Express</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 - December 23 @ 10am - 8pm (Fenton location)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.pinotspalette.com/chesterfield/class/72965" target="_blank">Pinot's Palette: Family Day Open Studio</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 @ 11am - 1pm (Chesterfield location)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.slsc.org/showtimes" target="_blank">Santa vs. the Snowman @ OMNIMAX Theater at the Science Center</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 - 29 @ 12pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=550357" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Winter Whimsey Tree</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 @ 1 - 3pm (O'Fallon location)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=554701" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Neon Christmas Tree Family Class</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 @ 2 - 3:30pm </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(St. Peter's location)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.historicstcharles.com/things-to-do/christmas-traditions/so-much-to-see---do/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Historic St. Charles Tree Lighting Ceremony</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 @ 5pm @ Berthold Square</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/StLouis/Information/Calendar/Default.htm" target="_blank">Ritz Carlton: Teddy Bear Tea in The Lobby </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28 & 29; December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Seatings at 11am & 2:30pm</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.schnuckscooks.com/class_agenda.asp?m=1" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Mommy and Me: Gingerbread Houses at Schnucks Des Peres</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28 @ 10am - 12pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ages 5 - 8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=550345" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: "Frozen" Class! Melting for You</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28 @ 10am - 12pm (O'Fallon location)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=554697" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Frosty Family Class</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28 @ 10:30am - 12pm </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(St. Peter's location)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://bazaarboy.com/holidaysintheloop/" target="_blank">Holidays in The Loop</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28 - December 19 (weekends) @ 11am - 5pm</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.taubmanprestigeoutlets.com/events" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Holiday Caroling</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28, December 5, 12 & 19 @ 12 - 1pm @ Taubman Prestige Outlets</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.schnuckscooks.com/class_agenda.asp?m=1" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Saturday’s Kids: Gingerbread Houses at Schnucks Des Peres</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28 @ 2 - 4pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ages 9 - 12</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.dierbergs.com/school.aspx" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Sweet Traditions…Gingerbread Houses at Dierbergs</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Parent & Child Grades K–4th</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bogey Hills: November 28 @ 11am - 12:30pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Southroads: November 28 @ 10 - 11:30am & 12:30 - 2pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">West Oak: November 28 @ 10 - 11:30am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Clarkson: December 5 @ 10 - 11:30am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.slcl.org/content/family-fun-marshmallow-igloos" target="_blank">Thornhill Library: Marshmallow Igloos</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28 @ 11am - 12:15pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/496701110490560/" target="_blank">St. Charles Holiday Electric Parade</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28 @ 5:30pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://fergusoncitywalk.com/events/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Northern Lights Christmas Market and Lighted Parade</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 29 @ Ferguson Citywalk</span><br />
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<a href="http://lafayettesquare.org/event/holiday-tree-lighting-3/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Lafayette Square Tree Lighting Ceremony</a><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 29 @ 5 - 7pm</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.manchestermo.gov/index.asp?SEC=635DE197-E003-41C6-9337-5EF00EE068A3&Type=B_BASIC" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Find Manchester's Elf, Buddy!</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 30 - December 4</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.chaseparkplaza.com/event-calendar" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Chase Park Plaza Holiday Celebration</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 1 @ 5pm</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1673986626182137" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Mom and Son Pre-Chanukah Night Out</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 3 @ 5:30 - 7pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.slsc.org/showtimes" target="_blank">Santa vs. the Snowman @ OMNIMAX Theater at the Science Center </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 - 6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.westcounty-fire.org/" target="_blank">Santa Visits West County by Fire Truck</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 @ 4 - 7pm @ Town & Country EMS & Fire Protection District</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.chaseparkplaza.com/event-calendar" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Carolers Sing & Mrs. Claus Read @ Chase Park Plaza</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 - 19 (Friday & Saturdays only) @ 5:30 - 7:30pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.augusta-chamber.org/events/event/31st-annual-christmas-walk/" target="_blank">Candlelight Christmas Walk in August, MO</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 and December 11 @ 5-10pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://danielboonehome.com/docs/2015/Candlelight.pdf" target="_blank">Historic Daniel Boone Home Christmas Candlelight Tours</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4-5 & 11-12 @ 5:30pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/546202902212018/" target="_blank">14th Annual Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 @ 6pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.westportstl.com/" target="_blank">Free Carriage Rides at Westport Plaza</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 & 5 @ 6 - 8pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://calendar.stlcc.edu/EventList.aspx?fromdate=12/1/2015&todate=12/31/2015&display=Month&type=public&eventidn=6686&view=EventDetails&information_id=17755" target="_blank">It's a Wonderful Life Radio Play</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 @ 6:30 - 8:30pm @ St. Louis Community College - Wildwood Campus - FREE</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.go-webster.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Webster: Santas on the Loose 5K Run & 100 Yard Dash</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 8am (5K) & 9am (100 Yard Dash)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://cwescene.com/event/cwe-window-walk/" target="_blank">CWE Window Walk</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 - 31 @ 8am - 5pm</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.magichouse.org/membership-events.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Magic House: Grandparent Member Holiday Breakfast and</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Performance of The Elves and the Shoemaker</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 9am</span><br />
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<a href="https://econnect.ofallon.mo.us/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Candy Cane Hunt in O'Fallon</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 9 - 10:30am @ Renaud Spirit Center</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.stlouisco.com/Portals/8/docs/Document%20Library/parks/PDFs/GRC/CandyCaneHunt.pdf" target="_blank">Candy Cane Hunt at Queeny Park</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 9:50am</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.marylandheights.com/index.aspx?page=881&recordid=4015" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Holiday with Santa @ Westport Plaza</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 10am - 12pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=576429" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 10am - 12pm (Creve Coeur location)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://media.wix.com/ugd/bf4057_9a00408c362b473daaa41c1aeff0760b.pdf" target="_blank">Christmas on the Hill</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 12pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.soulard.org/#new-page-1" target="_blank">40th Annual Soulard Holiday Parlour Tour</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 & 6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://cherokeeantiquerow.com/" target="_blank">Christmas Cookie Spree on Cherokee Antique Row</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 & 6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.laumeiersculpturepark.org/shop/trim-the-trees-503" target="_blank">Trim the Trees at Laumeier Sculpture Park</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 1 - 3pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stpetersmo.net/calendar-details.aspx?eid=1401&m=12&d=5&y=2015" target="_blank">Santa at the Old Town Log Cabin in St. Peters</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 1 - 3pm</span></div>
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<a href="http://florissantoldtown.com/wp/annual-events/christmas-in-old-town-florissant/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Christmas in Old Town Florrisant</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 2pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.westcounty-fire.org/" target="_blank">Santa Visits West County by Fire Truck</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 & 6 @ 2 - 7pm @ Manchester/Ballwin EMS & Fire Protection District</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://friscotrainstore.com/pt-programs/santa-at-the-caboose-saturday-dec-5th-and-sunday-dec-6th-from-2-4pm/" target="_blank">Santa the Caboose</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 & 6 @ 2 - 4pm @ Frisco Train Store</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.slcl.org/content/holiday-concert-river-city-pops" target="_blank">Bridgeton Trails Library: Holiday Concert - River City Pops</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 2 - 3pm</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kristkindl Markt in Hermann, MO</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- <a href="http://www.stonehillwinery.com/component/gcalendar/event/2/jld6g10tsi6tna1mftf1lg7v4o?Itemid=501" target="_blank">Stone Hill Winery</a>: December 5-6 @ 10am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- <a href="https://www.hermannhof.com/events_calendar/" target="_blank">Hermannhof Winery</a>: December 12-14 @ 10am</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.worldslargestuglychristmassweaterparty.com/" target="_blank">World's Largest Ugly Christmas Sweater Party</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 7pm @ Ballpark Village</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://jewishinstlouis.org/event/hands-on-hanukkah-2/" target="_blank">Hands on Chanukah @ Barnes & Noble (Ladue)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 10 - 11:30am</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=576493" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Christmas Tree</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 10am - 12pm (Creve Coeur location)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=578429" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Neon Snowman</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 10am - 12pm (South County)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.slam.org/visit/familyprograms.php" target="_blank">Family Sunday @ SLAM: Wonderful Winter</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 & 20 @ 12 - 4pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/event-details/sreventid/23.aspx" target="_blank">Chanukah: Festival of Lights</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 12 - 4pm @ MO Botanical Garden</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.chaseparkplaza.com/event-calendar" target="_blank">Hanukkah Music Celebration</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 1 - 3pm @ Chase Park Plaza</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://jewishinstlouis.org/event/cjm-community-chanukah-concert/" target="_blank">Community Chanukah Concert</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 3 - 5pm @ </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sha’are Emeth Congregation</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://kezk.cbslocal.com/102-5-kezks-acapella-christmas/" target="_blank">KEZK Acapella Christmas</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 3 - 5pm @ St. Louis Union Station Grand Hall</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.stlouisco.com/Portals/8/docs/Document%20Library/parks/PDFs/AG.pdf" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Santa Claus is Coming to Affton</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 5 - 6pm @ Affton White-Rodgers Community Center </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://jewishinstlouis.org/event/jcc-family-hanukkah-party/" target="_blank">JCC Family Hanukkah Party</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 7 @ 4:15 - 5pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stlballparkvillage.com/entertainment/event/7031" target="_blank">Winter Movie Night at Ballpark Village: ELF</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 9 @ 5pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/141093469587878/" target="_blank">Kid's Club Holiday Cookie Decorating</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 10 @ 5 - 7pm @ Lucky's Market (Rock Hill)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.slam.org/visit/familyprograms.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Winter Celebration Weekend @ SLAM</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 11 @ 5-9pm; December 12 & 13 @ 1-4pm</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stlouisco.com/Portals/8/docs/Document%20Library/parks/PDFs/Faust/CandlelightVillage.pdf" target="_blank">Candlelight Holiday at Thornhill Grounds at Faust Park</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 11 (6-9 pm) & 12 (6-9pm)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.bounceu.com/special-events/chesterfield-mo" target="_blank">Jingle Bounce - Cookies with Santa @ BounceU</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 9 - 10:30am</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/155610417783291/photos/a.157517887592544.36790.155610417783291/1115996001744723/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Nagle's Christmas Open House</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 9am - 9pm</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.kirkwoodmo.org/content/City-Departments/1851/special-events.aspx" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Candy Cane Hunt at the Kirkwood Park Lion's Pavilion</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 10am - Come early to decorate a bag!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/fullschedule.aspx" target="_blank">Build a Holiday Train @ Lowe's in Chesterfield Valley</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 10am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/865033526915642/" target="_blank">Webster Holiday Cookie Walk</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 10am - 2pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.slcl.org/content/gingerbread-house-fun" target="_blank">Bridgeton Trails: Gingerbread House Fun</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 10 - 10:30am</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.purinafarms.com/media/400670/PF_Flyer_Petacular_2015.pdf" target="_blank">Purina Farms Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 & 13 @ 11am - 4pm</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HolidaysInOldNorth" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Holidays in Old North Festival & Craft Market</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 11am - 4pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.gandermountain.com/assets/pdf/storeloc/flyers/GE15_HolidayKidsWorkshop_BagStuffer_LR_5.5x8.5.pdf" target="_blank">Gander Mountain Kids Workshop</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 11am - 2pm (Chesterfield location)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/event-details/sreventid/1529/eventmonth/12/eventyear/2015.aspx" target="_blank">Saturday with Santa: Christmas Carols in the Garden</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 1 - 4pm @ MO Botanical Garden</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.westcounty-fire.org/" target="_blank">Santa Visits West County by Fire Truck & Pictures with Santa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 1 - 4pm @ Fire Station #1 (223 Henry Ave)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.slcl.org/content/holiday-muffin-mix" target="_blank">Eureka Hills: Holiday Muffin Mix</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 2 - 3pm</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://lafayettesquare.org/event/holiday-parlor-tour-2/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 13 @ 10am - 5pm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://mostateparks.com/event/62948/twas-night-christmas" target="_blank">'Twas The Night Before Christmas</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 13 @ 12 - 4pm @ First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.pinotspalette.com/chesterfield/class/76931" target="_blank">Mommy & Me Painting Mini Canvases @ Pinot's Palette</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 13 @ 2 - 4pm (Chesterfield Location)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.magichouse.org/membership-events.php" target="_blank">Magic House Storytime with Santa Members-Only Morning</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 14 @ 9 am – 12 pm @ The Magic House</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/service/town-and-country-kids-club-calendar-events" target="_blank">Winter Wonderland Holiday Story Hour</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 14 & 15 @ 10 - 10:45am @ Whole Foods (Town & Country)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.stlsprout.com/articles/news/item/5178-visit-santa-aboard-kcs-holiday-express-at-union-station" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">KCS Holiday Express at Union Station</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 14 @ 10am - 3:30pm</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.foundryartcentre.org/childrens-programming/" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Family Holiday Evening at The Foundry Art Centre</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 16 @ 5:30 - 8pm</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.magichouse.org/membership-events.php" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Magic House Evening Storytime with Santa</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 16 & 17 @ 6 - 8pm @ The Magic House</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://jccstl.com/index.php/programs/detail/family-hanukkah-celebration" target="_blank">Family Hanukkah Celebration</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 17 @ 4:15pm @ Marilyn Fox Building, Chesterfield</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-womans-exchange-story-time-with-santa-tickets-19153616984?aff=ebrowse" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Storytime with Santa at The Woman's Exchange</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 17 @ 6 - 7pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.touhill.org/events/detail/slb-nutcracker-15" target="_blank">The Nutcracker presented by the Saint Louis Ballet</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 17 - 23 @ Touhill Performing Arts Center</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.campbellhousemuseum.org/event/xmas1/" target="_blank">Victorian Christmas Open House</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 18 & 19 @ 5pm @ The Campbell House Museum</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/413205642219995/" target="_blank">Holiday Movie Extravaganza</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 18 @ 6:30 - 8:30pm @ Lucky's Market (Ellisville)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.pinotspalette.com/webstergroves/class/75478" target="_blank">Mommy & Me Painting @ Pinot's Palette</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 19 @ 1 - 3pm (Webster location)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.chaseparkplaza.com/event-calendar" target="_blank">Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus & her Elves</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 20 @ 1 - 3pm @ Chase Park Plaza</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.laumeiersculpturepark.org/calendar/2015/12/20/free-family-day" target="_blank">Free Family Day at Laumeier Sculpture Park</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 20 @ 2 - 4pm</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.slcl.org/content/i-spy-ornament" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eureka Hills Library: I Spy Ornament</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 21 @ 10 - 11am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.slcl.org/content/frozen-party" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eureka Hills Library: Frozen Party</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 21 @ 3 - 4pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.slcl.org/content/holiday-movie-elf" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lewis and Clark Library: Holiday Movie - "Elf"</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 21 @ 6 - 8pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.slcl.org/content/american-girl-holiday-party" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Meramec Valley Library: American Girl-Holiday Party</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 21 @ 6:30 - 7:30pm</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.slcl.org/content/decorate-your-own-ornament" target="_blank">Bridgeton Trails Library: Decorate Your Own Ornament</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 22 @ 10 - 11:15am </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=576499" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Holiday Kid's Class</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 22 @ 11am - 1pm (Creve Coeur location)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.slcl.org/content/mickeys-christmas-carol" target="_blank">County Library Headquarters: Mickey's Christmas Carol</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 22 @ 1 - 2pm </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.pinotspalette.com/chesterfield/class/77058" target="_blank">Mommy & Me Painting Mini Canvases @ Pinot's Palette</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 22 @ 2 - 4pm (Chesterfield Location)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/service/town-and-country-kids-club-calendar-events" target="_blank">Show-Me-Reindeer & Santa Claus</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 23 @ 12 - 2pm @ Whole Foods (Town & Country)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=576516" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Holiday Kid's Class</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 23 @ 12:30 - 2pm (Creve Coeur location)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=581249" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Neon Christmas Tree</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 23 @ 1 - 3pm (South County)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mohistory.org/files/[field_directory-raw]/event_brochure/winter%20getaway_0.pdf" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">MO History Museum: Winter Getaway</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 26 - 30 @ 10:30am - 2:30pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.slcl.org/content/family-film-polar-express" target="_blank">Thornhill Library: Family Film - Polar Express</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 26 @ 11am - 12:15pm</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.downtownkirkwood.com/events/downtown-kirkwood-winter-fireworks-festival.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Downtown Kirkwood Winter Fireworks Festival</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 26 @ 5pm @ Station Plaza</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.slam.org/visit/familyprograms.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kwanzaa @ SLAM</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 27 @ 12 - 4pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.pinotspalette.com/chesterfield/class/76942" target="_blank">Family Painting Day @ Pinot's Palette</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 27 @ 2 - 4pm (Chesterfield location)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/service/town-and-country-kids-club-calendar-events" target="_blank">Story Time & Pinecone Scavenger Hunt</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 28 & 29 @ 10 - 10:45am @ Whole Foods (Town & Country)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=576498" target="_blank">Painting with a Twist: Holiday Kid's Party</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 28 @ 11am - 1pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/event-details/sreventid/1532/eventmonth/12/eventyear/2015.aspx" target="_blank">Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 30 @ 12 - 3pm @ MO Botanical Garden</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.kirkwoodmo.org/content/City-Departments/1856/community-center.aspx" target="_blank">Kids Movie Day: Big Hero 6</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 30 @ 12pm @ Kirkwood Community Center</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.magichouse.org/events-special.php#Noontime New Year's Eve" target="_blank">Noontime New Year's Eve</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 31 @ 11am - 2pm @ The Magic House</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/service/town-and-country-kids-club-calendar-events" target="_blank">Noon-Time New Year's Eve</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 31 @ 11am @ Whole Foods (Town & Country)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.westportstl.com/events/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2015/12/31/116/-/new-year-s-eve-fireworks-display" target="_blank">New Year's Eve Fireworks Display & Free Carriage Rides</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 31 @ 6pm @ Westport Plaza</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.pinotspalette.com/chesterfield/class/77057" target="_blank">Family Painting Day @ Pinot's Palette</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">January 1 @ 2 - 4pm (Chesterfield location)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hisixflags.com/packages/christmas-jubilee-2/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Christmas Jubilee at Holiday Inn Six Flags</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org/SantaLetter/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Kirkwood Library Letters from Santa</a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>PERFORMANCES</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.cathedralconcerts.org/events/vienna-boys-choir-holiday-concert/" target="_blank">Vienna Boys Choir Holiday Concert</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21 @ 8am @ Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.florissantmo.com/topic/index.php?topicid=129&structureid=28" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">City of Florissant Thanksgiving Holiday Special: FLY GUY & OTHER STORIES</a><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 22, 27 & 28 @ 2pm @ Florissant Civic Center Theatre</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.fabulousfox.com/upcoming_shows.aspx" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Fox Theater</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Irving Berlin's White Christmas: November 17-22</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Straight No Chaser: November 27</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Great Russian Nutcracker: November 30</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Cirque Dreams Holidaze: December 4-6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Wicked: December 9 - January 3</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.thechaifetzarena.com/upcomingevents/details/?event_id=129" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Musical</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 18 @ 4pm & 7pm @ Chaifetz Arena</span><br />
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<a href="http://shop.stlsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=4889" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Peter and the Wolf</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 @ 8pm @ Powell Hall</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.kramersmarionnettes.com/our-season.php" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Kramer's Marionnette Theater: A Christmas Fantasy</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 - December 31</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.sheldonconcerthall.org/concert-detail.php?id=319" target="_blank">TeamSTAGES Holiday Concert</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 1 @ 7:30pm @ The Sheldon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.luboxoffice.com/events/theatre/christmasCarol.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 3 - 5 @ 7:30pm @ The Lindenwood Theater</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/136451200049895/" target="_blank">The Nutcracker</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 3 - 5 @ 7pm & December 5 & 6 @ 2pm @ Visitation Academy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://stlphilharmonic.org/images/SPO-brochure-2015-16.pdf" target="_blank">St. Louis Philharmonic: Holiday Pops Spectacular</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 @ 8pm @ Purser Auditorium, Logan University</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stagesstlouis.org/Shows/Into-The-Woods/" target="_blank">Into the Woods </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Holiday pre-show activities plus milk and cookies and a visit from Santa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 - 6 @ Stages</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://familyarena.com/event/y98s-mistletoe-show-2015/" target="_blank">Y98 Mistletoe Show</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 @ 6pm @ Family Arena</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.touhill.org/events/detail/umsljazzholiday15" target="_blank">UMSL's Jazz for the Holidays</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 3pm @ Touhill Performing Arts Center</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://stlco.org/cms/tickets/peter-the-wolf-and-holiday-favorites/" target="_blank">Peter and the Wolf</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 3pm @ Logan University</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.carolbdance.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">The Nutcracker @ Carol Bowman Academy of Dance</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 3pm & 5pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://familyarena.com/event/92-3-wils-jinglefest-2015/" target="_blank">92.3 WIL's JingleFest</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 10 @ 7pm @ Family Arena</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.scottradecenter.com/events/detail/christmas-with-amy-grant-michael-smith" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Christmas with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 11 @ Scottrade Center</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stpetersmo.net/calendar-details.aspx?eid=1469&m=12&d=11&y=2015" target="_blank">Winter Wonderland on Ice Show</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 11 @ 7pm & December 12 @ 5pm @ St. Peters Rec-Plex</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.touhill.org/events/detail/aoh-dec-2015" target="_blank">Sounds of the Season</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 11 - 13 @ Touhill Performing Arts Center</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://cleverproductions.net/tickets.php" target="_blank">It's a Wonderful Redneck Mystery!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 11 (6pm) & 12 (12pm) @ Old Spaghetti Factory, Chesterfield</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">COCA</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- <a href="http://www.cocastl.org/event/the-little-dancer-celebrate-st-louis/" target="_blank">The Little Dancer</a>: December 12-14</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- <a href="http://www.cocastl.org/event/the-little-dancer-tea/" target="_blank">The Little Dancer Tea</a>: December 13 @ 2-3pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.cathedralconcerts.org/events-3-columns/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Cathedral Basilica: Christmas at the Cathedral</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 8pm & December 13 @ 2:30pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.kirkwoodmo.org/content/1862/ice-rink.aspx" target="_blank">Holiday Ice Show at Kirkwood Ice Arena</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 3:45 - 5:15pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.metroedgefsc.org/nutcrackeronice" target="_blank">The Nutcracker on Ice</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 & 13 @ 2pm & 5pm @ Webster Groves Ice Arena</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://mostateparks.com/event/62949/candlelight-christmas-concert" target="_blank">Candlelight Christmas Concert</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 7 - 8pm @ First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.tcsomo.org/?event=holiday-concert-surprise&event_date=2015-12-13" target="_blank">Town & Country Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert Surprise</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 13 @ 2:30pm @ Principia</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.logan.edu/the-nutcracker" target="_blank">The Nutcracker at Logan University</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 13 @ 4pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Touhill Performing Arts Center</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- <a href="http://www.touhill.org/events/detail/slb-nutcracker-15" target="_blank">Saint Louis Ballet: The Nutcracker</a>: December 17-23</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- <a href="http://www.touhill.org/events/detail/slb-nutcracker-lunch-15" target="_blank">Sugar Plum Fairy Luncheon</a>: December 19-20</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.stlsymphony.org/en/tickets/performance-listing/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Macy’s Holiday Celebration</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 18, 19 & 20 @ Powell Hall</span><br />
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<a href="http://missouriballettheatre.org/wordpress/performances/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">MO Ballet Theatre: Nutcracker</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 18-20</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.repstl.org/season/show/the_elves_and_the_shoemaker/" target="_blank">The Elves and the Shoemakers</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 18-23 @ Nerinx Hall High School</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.scsymphony.us/Schedule.html" target="_blank">St. Charles Symphony Society: Christmas Pops Concert</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 19 @ 7pm & December 20 @ 6pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.repstl.org/season/show/the_elves_and_the_shoemaker/" target="_blank">The Elves and the Shoemaker</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 19 - 23 @ The </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.florissantmo.com/topic/index.php?topicid=129&structureid=28" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">A Christmas Carol</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 20 @ 2pm @ Florissant Civic Center Theatre</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.chband.org/?utm_source=stltoday&utm_medium=Eblast&utm_campaign=WestEblast" target="_blank">Concert Band's 17th Annual Holiday Spectacular Concert</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 21 @ 7:30pm @ Powell Hall</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.peabodyoperahouse.com/events/detail/elf-the-musical" target="_blank">Elf: The Musical</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 26 & 27 @ Peabody Opera House</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.scottradecenter.com/events/detail/trans-siberian-orchestra" target="_blank">Trans-Siberian Orchestra</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 27 @ Scottrade Center</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://shop.stlsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=5097" target="_blank">Ratatouille in Concert</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">January 2 @ 7pm @ Powell Symphony Hall</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://santasmagicalkingdom.com/" target="_blank">Santa's Magical Kingdom</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 13 – January 3 @ 5:30pm</span><br />
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<a href="http://snows.org/events/way-of-lights//" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Way of Lights @ Our Lady of the Snows</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 20 - January 1 @ 5-9pm</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.stlouisco.com/Portals/8/docs/Document%20Library/parks/PDFs/ww/winterwonderwalk.pdf" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Winter Wonder Walk</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 20 - 22 @ Tilles Park Winter Wonderland</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.christmasinstlouis.org/festival-of-lights/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Festival of Lights @ Union Station & Aloe Plaza</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/event-details/sreventid/1523/eventmonth/11/eventyear/2015.aspx" target="_blank">MO Botanical Garden: Garden Glow</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21 – December 18 @ 5pm – 9:30pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stlouisco.com/ParksandRecreation/ThingsToDo/WinterWonderland" target="_blank">Tilles Park Winter Wonderland</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 25 - January 2 @ 5:30pm - 9:30pm</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/wildlights/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">US Bank Wild Lights at St. Louis Zoo</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Novmeber 27 - January 3 </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">@ 5:30 - 8:30pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.ofallon.mo.us/celebration-of-lights" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Celebration of Lights in O'Fallon</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 – December 30</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.wentzvillemo.org/pr-holiday-night-lights.aspx" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Wentzville Holiday Night Lights</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 - December 30 @ Rotary Park @ 6 - 9:30pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/event-details/sreventid/23.aspx" target="_blank">Chanukah: Festival of Lights</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 12 - 4pm @ MO Botanical Garden</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.wentzvillemo.org/pr-holiday-night-lights-walk-through.aspx" target="_blank">Holiday Night Lights Walk-Thru</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 7 @ 6pm @ Rotary Park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.ofallon.mo.us/celebration-of-lights" target="_blank">Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 8 @ 6 - 9pm <complete id="goog_1720192580">@ Fort Zumwalt Park</complete></span><br />
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<a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-lights-in-st-louis-hills.html" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Candy Cane Lane / Angel Avenue / Snowflake Street</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The lights are usually up the weekend after Thanksgiving</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://dansemeraldforest.com/index.html" target="_blank">Dan’s Emerald Forest</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.neverenoughlights.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Never Enough Lights</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>DINE WITH SANTA</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.historicstcharles.com/things-to-do/christmas-traditions/ticketed-events/" target="_blank">Historic St. Charles: Breakfast with Santa</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28, December 5 and 19 @ 9am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 29, December 6, 13 & 20 @ 9:30am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.eureka.mo.us/visitors/special-city-wide-events/pizza-with-santa/" target="_blank">Eureka: Pizza with Santa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 3 & 4 @ 6:30 - 8pm; December 5 @ 11:30am - 1pm</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.fentonmo.org/DocumentCenter/View/4727" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">RiverChase Supper With Santa</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 @ 6 - 7pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/breakfastwithsanta/" target="_blank">St. Louis Zoo: Dine with Santa for Breakfast or Dinner</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 - 21</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.town-and-country.org/379/Events" target="_blank">Town & Country: Breakfast with Santa</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 9 - 11am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/StLouis/Information/Calendar/Default.htm" target="_blank">The Ritz Carlton: Brunch with Santa in The Restaurant</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5, 12 & 19</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Seatings from 9am - 1pm </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.ellisville.mo.us/249/Breakfast-with-Santa" target="_blank">Bluebird Park: Breakfast with Santa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 9:30 - 10:30am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/visit/family-of-attractions/butterfly-house/things-to-do-at-the-butterfly-house/signature-events/supper-with-santa.aspx" target="_blank">Butterfly House: Supper with Santa</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 @ 4:30 – 7pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/event-details/sreventid/277.aspx" target="_blank">MO Botanical Garden Members Event: Breakfast with Santa</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 8am - 10:30am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.manchestermo.gov/index.asp?SEC=635DE197-E003-41C6-9337-5EF00EE068A3&Type=B_BASIC" target="_blank">Schroeder Park (Manchester): Breakfast with Santa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 8:30am & 9:30am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.town-and-country.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=471&day=30&month=12&year=2015&calType=0" target="_blank">Breakfast with Santa at the Longview Farm House</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 9 - 11 am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/StLouis/Information/Calendar/Default.htm" target="_blank">Ritz Carlton: Brunch with Santa</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5, 12 & 19 @ 9am – 1pm</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.desperesmo.org/index.aspx?NID=933" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Cookies with Claus @ The Lodge Des Peres</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 9am - 12pm</span></div>
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<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.magichouse.org/events-special.php#Breakfast with Santa" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Magic House: Breakfast with Santa</a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11 am and 5 pm</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 13 @ 8:30 am, 9:45 am and 11 am</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://squareup.com/market/st-louis-sprout-and-about/breakfast-craft-workshop-with-santa" target="_blank">Breakfast and Craft Workshop with Santa at Purina Farms</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 & 13 @ 9:30 - 11am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.ballwin.mo.us/City-Government/City-of-Ballwin/Calendar/" target="_blank">The Pointe at Ballwin Commons: Breakfast with Santa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 9:30 - 11am</span></div>
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<div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.stpetersmo.net/calendar-details.aspx?eid=1219&m=12&d=12&y=2015" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">St. Peters Rec-Plex: Breakfast with Santa</a></div>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 8:30 - 10:30am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://imogenes.net/" target="_blank">Imogene's: Breakfast with Santa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 9am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stlouisco.com/Portals/8/docs/Document%20Library/parks/PDFs/AG.pdf" target="_blank">North County Recreation Complex: Lunch with Santa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 11am - 1pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://econnect.ofallon.mo.us/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">O'Fallon: Pizza with Santa at the Renaud Spirit Center</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 11:30am - 1pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.chaseparkplaza.com/event-calendar" target="_blank">Chase Park Plaza: Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 13 @ 9am & 11am</span></div>
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<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.gwrymca.org/calendar/breakfast-santa-4" target="_blank">West County YMCA: Breakfast with Santa</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 19 @ 9am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>PICTURES WITH SANTA</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CritterLanePettingZoo/photos/a.324539854306066.74269.323719467721438/924504674309578/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Pictures with Santa and Live Reindeer</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21 @ 10am - 2pm @ Critter Lane Petting Zoo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.taubmanprestigeoutlets.com/events" target="_blank">Strolling Santa & Mrs. Claus</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28, December 12 & 19 @ 12 - 3pm </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">@ Taubman Prestige Outlets</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bring your own camera!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.downtownkirkwood.com/events/photos-with-santa.aspx" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Photos with Santa @ Kirkw</span></a><a href="http://www.downtownkirkwood.com/events/photos-with-santa.aspx" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">ood Train Station</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 3 & 10 @ 5- 7pm </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 11 @ 11am - 1pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.boathouseforestpark.com/news-and-events.php" target="_blank">Snapshots with Santa @ The Boathouse Forest Park</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 11am - 2pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.americangirl.com/retailstore/saint-louis#specialEvents" target="_blank">American Girl Welcomes Santa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 & 13 @ 9 - 10am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stlouisco.com/Portals/8/docs/Document%20Library/parks/PDFs/AG.pdf" target="_blank">Pictures with Santa @ St. Vincent Community Center</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12 @ 1 - 4pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.chesterfield-mall.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Chesterfield Mall</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.saintlouisgalleria.com/events/santa-photos" target="_blank">Galleria</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.shopmidriversmall.com/" target="_blank">Mid Rivers Mall</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.plazafrontenac.com/events/santa-photos" target="_blank">Plaza Frontenac</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.shopsouthcountycenter.com/" target="_blank">South County Center</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stclairsquare.com/" target="_blank">St. Clair Square</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stlouisoutletmall.com/" target="_blank">St. Louis Outlet Mall</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=108" target="_blank">St. Louis Premium Outlets</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.taubmanprestigeoutlets.com/events" target="_blank">Taubman Prestige Outlets</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.shopwestcountycenter.com/" target="_blank">West County Center</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.themeadowsatlsl.com/events/" target="_blank">The Meadows</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.albesm.com/christmas/christmas3.html" target="_blank">Meert Tree Farm</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://sullivanfarmsstl.com/christmas/" target="_blank">Sullivan Farms</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.christmastraditions.net/" target="_blank">Christmas Traditions Tree Farm</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.brushyforkpines.com/" target="_blank">Brushy Fork Pines</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.country-pinesllc.com/" target="_blank">Country Pines</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>SLED / SKI / SKATE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/gallery/news/multimedia/years-of-sledding-on-art-hill/collection_402ee3a3-6ad0-56d2-b006-a1c370255d06.html#0" target="_blank">Sledding on Art Hill</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.hiddenvalleyski.com/" target="_blank">Hidden Valley</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.themeadowsatlsl.com/events/" target="_blank">The Meadows Ice Skating Rink Grand Opening Party</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 20 @ 6:30 - 9pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.claytonmo.gov/Government/Departments/Parks_and_Recreation/Shaw_Park_Ice_Rink.htm" target="_blank">Shaw Park Ice Rink: Snowman Skate</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 @ 6 - 10pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.steinbergskatingrink.com/specialevents/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Steinberg Skating Rink: Skate with Santa</a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 1 - 3pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://hardeesiceplex.com/" target="_blank">Hardee's Iceplex: Holiday Show & Skate with Santa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 6 @ 2 - 6pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.kirkwoodmo.org/content/City-Departments/1851/special-events.aspx" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Kirkwood Ice Arena: Skate with Santa</a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 19 @ 1:30 - 3:30pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=269981" target="_blank">Webster Groves Ice Arena: Skate with Santa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 19 @ 1:45 - 3:15pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.stlouisco.com/ParksandRecreation/RecreationComplexes/IceSkating" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Skate Camp at Greensfelder Rec Plex</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 21-22 or 28-29 @ 9am - 3pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>KIMMSWICK, MO EVENTS</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.visitkimmswick.com/christmas_preview" target="_blank">Christmas Open House</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 21 @ 10am - 9pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.visitkimmswick.com/christmas_in_kimmswick" target="_blank">Christmas in Kimmswick</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4-6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.visitkimmswick.com/christmas_cookie_walk" target="_blank">Christmas Cookie Walk</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4-6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>WASHINGTON, MO EVENTS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.downtownwashmo.org/events/holiday-parade-of-lights-2014/" target="_blank">Holiday Parade of Lights</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 @ 6-8pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.downtownwashmo.org/events/olde-fashioned-christmas/" target="_blank">Olde Fashioned Christmas</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 29 @ 3-5pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.downtownwashmo.org/events/santa-arrives-on-amtrak/" target="_blank">Santa on Amtrak</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 @ 5-6pm</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.downtownwashmo.org/events/holiday-house-tour/" target="_blank">Holiday House Tour</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 13 @ 4-7pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>ILLINOIS EVENTS</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://snows.org/events/way-of-lights//" target="_blank">Way of Lights @ Our Lady of the Snows</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 20 - January 1 @ 5-9pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.visitalton.com/events/detail/126/community-tree-lighting/4007" target="_blank">Alton Community Tree Lighting</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 20 @ 6-8pm</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.visitalton.com/feature-stories/detail/14/christmas-wonderland" target="_blank">Christmas Wonderland in Alton</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 - December 29</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.bellevilleoptimist.org/" target="_blank">Belleville's Santa Parade</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 @ 10am</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.bellevillechristkindlmarkt.com/" target="_blank">Christkindlmarkt</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 - December 23 @ Public Square in Belleville, IL</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.eckerts.com/events-calendar/" target="_blank">Eckerts: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (Belleville & Millstadt)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.eckerts.com/events-calendar/" target="_blank">Eckerts: Breakfast with Santa & Holiday Storytime (Belleville)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28 & 29, December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20 @ 8am - 12pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.eckerts.com/events-calendar/" target="_blank">Eckerts: Gingerbread House Workshop (Belleville)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 28 & 29, December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 @ 10am - 4pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.eckerts.com/events-calendar/" target="_blank">Mommy & Me Holiday Cooking Class (Belleville)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 & 21</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.visitalton.com/events/detail/199/annual-snowflake-festival" target="_blank">Snowflake Festival (Godfrey)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4 @ 6-8pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GraftonsTasteOfChocolate" target="_blank">Grafton Taste of Chocolate</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 5 @ 11:30am - 2:30pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.bellevillemainstreet.net/index.php?pagekey=events_gingerbreadday" target="_blank">Gingerbread Cookie Day in Downtown Belleville</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Visit with Santa at <a href="http://www.shopaltonsquare.com/" target="_blank">Alton Square Mall</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>MOVIES & TV</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2279339/?ref_=cs_ov_tt" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Love The Coopers</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 13</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1951266/?ref_=cs_ov_tt" target="_blank">The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 20</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1979388/?ref_=cs_ov_tt" target="_blank">The Good Dinosaur</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 25</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3703148/" target="_blank">Christmas Eve</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 4</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2488496/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 18</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2974918/?ref_=cs_ov_tt" target="_blank">Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 25</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1528854/?ref_=cs_ov_tt" target="_blank">Daddy's Home</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 25</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/25DaysofChristmas/posts/10153703274389581:0" target="_blank">ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">December 1 – 25 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://news.moviefone.com/2015/10/21/abc-announces-2015-holiday-programming-schedule/" target="_blank">ABC's Holiday Programming Schedule</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">November 27 - December 31</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.parents.com/fun/entertainment/movies/10-holiday-movies/" target="_blank">15 Best Holiday Movies to watch with the kids</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-64694407581897105372015-10-26T22:04:00.001-05:002015-11-01T11:46:11.558-06:00Dinosaur Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPzvD7zeR3A/ViaBntppUQI/AAAAAAAAJzo/TZJ5YAMJEtU/s1600/Party%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPzvD7zeR3A/ViaBntppUQI/AAAAAAAAJzo/TZJ5YAMJEtU/s400/Party%2BCollage.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">SO! MUCH! FUN!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When Clara started showing interest in dinosaurs I thought it was going to be a quick phase. I'm so glad I was wrong. This party was so much fun to plan and unlike most parties I've planned for my two older girls. But probably the best part was seeing how much Clara loved her party. She went from 1 dinosaur toy to more dinosaur toys than she knows what to do with! Here are some of the party highlights:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>OUTFITS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clara's outfit is the cutest! I got it from the Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191293963/girls-dinosaur-t-rex-birthday-shirt?ref=favs_view_9" target="_blank">Wiggles and Giggles</a>, which is where I bought Clara's for her <a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2015/01/claras-train-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">train birthday party</a> last year. The shirts are super comfy and wash well. She will wear this all year long. I already had the tutu skirt and it happened to match the sleeve color perfectly! Yay!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXC3RCY-4sg/Vibu-3Q9hjI/AAAAAAAAJz4/dnlc7tVf0C0/s1600/Shirt%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXC3RCY-4sg/Vibu-3Q9hjI/AAAAAAAAJz4/dnlc7tVf0C0/s400/Shirt%2BCollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was looking around for Clara's outfit, I found a bunch of fun dinosaur shirts on Etsy for the rest of us too!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKWis6eVAz4/VibxSHne2UI/AAAAAAAAJ0E/VzqtiNeHT-Q/s1600/Family%2BShirts%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKWis6eVAz4/VibxSHne2UI/AAAAAAAAJ0E/VzqtiNeHT-Q/s640/Family%2BShirts%2BCollage.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The older girls' shirts came from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1066204603" target="_blank">Fresh Frog Tees</a>, my t-shirt came from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1063621874" target="_blank">Priceless Kids</a> and Tim's shirt came from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1063617920" target="_blank">Crazy Dog Tshirts</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>DESSERTS</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IjTYBKBkN64/VibzwCDwPzI/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/WgeMQVcZFwk/s1600/IMG_2373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IjTYBKBkN64/VibzwCDwPzI/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/WgeMQVcZFwk/s400/IMG_2373.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My cousin, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/www.cookiesforacure.timpone?fref=ts" target="_blank">Cindy</a>, made these adorable cookies for the party. She used my <a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2014_12_01_archive.html" target="_blank">dairy and egg free sugar cookies recipe</a> so that Clara and Sidney could eat them!!! They were DELICIOUS!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd9k9GG1BFs/Vib1DXtFzCI/AAAAAAAAJ0c/VRGZ-Z-qad0/s1600/IMG_2420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd9k9GG1BFs/Vib1DXtFzCI/AAAAAAAAJ0c/VRGZ-Z-qad0/s400/IMG_2420.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Clara picked out the cake design at McArthur's Bakery. We added a chocolate mousse filling that made it so yummy.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ba1COm9WRcY/Vib2dTOv_cI/AAAAAAAAJ0o/Ne8hzmFgbSs/s1600/Gummy%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ba1COm9WRcY/Vib2dTOv_cI/AAAAAAAAJ0o/Ne8hzmFgbSs/s640/Gummy%2BCollage.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The last dino-related treat are these gummy dinos that I found on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007DJ5T7A/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687582&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B006JV1KC6&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=038MF728HQTQ6F7889V9" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. They're produced in a nut-free facility too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DECORATIONS</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I found all of the plastic table cloth, dino masks and dino plates and napkins at Walmart. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFzAUpICvQk/Vib35OMBLNI/AAAAAAAAJ04/XpmT0K8s8o4/s1600/IMG_2367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aFzAUpICvQk/Vib35OMBLNI/AAAAAAAAJ04/XpmT0K8s8o4/s400/IMG_2367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I bought the dinosaur confetti on Etsy from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101721098/dinosaur-cricut-die-cut-confetti?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">Paper Kisses Inc</a>.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIpX7mKFjzI/Vib35OrYrBI/AAAAAAAAJ00/nlnYgAy4t6s/s1600/IMG_2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIpX7mKFjzI/Vib35OrYrBI/AAAAAAAAJ00/nlnYgAy4t6s/s400/IMG_2368.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyQkNLzIhrc/Vib35SGYkEI/AAAAAAAAJ08/aL-NQFOR0sk/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyQkNLzIhrc/Vib35SGYkEI/AAAAAAAAJ08/aL-NQFOR0sk/s400/IMG_2375.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">ACTIVITIES</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clara helped me make these <a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2015/10/dinosaur-crayons.html" target="_blank">Dinosaur Crayons</a>, which took FOREVER to make but turned out so super cute. We put a couple in little gift bags for her sisters and cousins. I found the wood dinosaurs at Dollar Tree! The kids used the dinosaur crayons to decorate their dinosaur.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwIFo9eJwhQ/Vib5OoZZecI/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/Tlaga15QBwU/s1600/IMG_2376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwIFo9eJwhQ/Vib5OoZZecI/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/Tlaga15QBwU/s400/IMG_2376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olMBim2UFbk/Vib5PCftUPI/AAAAAAAAJ1Y/OMb20MUnHJM/s1600/IMG_2377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olMBim2UFbk/Vib5PCftUPI/AAAAAAAAJ1Y/OMb20MUnHJM/s400/IMG_2377.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q750WqDb9nI/Vib5O_cqrGI/AAAAAAAAJ1U/yO26nuqZyvs/s1600/IMG_2379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q750WqDb9nI/Vib5O_cqrGI/AAAAAAAAJ1U/yO26nuqZyvs/s400/IMG_2379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also had a Dino Egg Hunt in the basement. I made bags for the kids to hold their dino bags. The bags came from Dollar Tree and the dino die cuts came from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105214828/t-rex-brachiosaurus-6-girl-dinosaur?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">Paper Kisses Inc</a>. I bought the dinosaur eggs that had tiny dinosaurs inside on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dinosaurs-Eggs-Dinosaur-figures-Inside/dp/B00569DOTO" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n4ANFDBAyA4/Vib6uNCSBmI/AAAAAAAAJ14/tgMn_Y2zrBU/s1600/IMG_2393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n4ANFDBAyA4/Vib6uNCSBmI/AAAAAAAAJ14/tgMn_Y2zrBU/s400/IMG_2393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ehdHa6SjuEg/Vib6tx0u3ZI/AAAAAAAAJ10/nbe7BFxLMI4/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ehdHa6SjuEg/Vib6tx0u3ZI/AAAAAAAAJ10/nbe7BFxLMI4/s400/IMG_2394.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I loved this party so much. Watching Clara having so much fun made my day and then some. Clara's a pretty unique kid and I feel so lucky that she's mine. Let's hope that year 3 doesn't fly by as fast as year 2 did! Here are a few of my favorite pics from the party :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uN3DXJc8mgA/Vib7yPmbiII/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/eRuMjs6KWc4/s1600/IMG_2439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uN3DXJc8mgA/Vib7yPmbiII/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/eRuMjs6KWc4/s400/IMG_2439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>THANK YOU NOTES</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After much searching, I found these cute <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174096779/6-pack-of-thank-you-note-cards-with?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Thank You notecards</a> on Etsy too. The little dinosaur designs are perfect!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxhWIg4rEsA/Vihe18zTwVI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/zTrqFj37Ti4/s1600/Note%2BCards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxhWIg4rEsA/Vihe18zTwVI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/zTrqFj37Ti4/s400/Note%2BCards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As soon as she woke up the next morning this is what she did :) Having so much fun playing with all her new toys!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MlsoFGXgvWg/Vib8cOjVkoI/AAAAAAAAJ2o/-OWm8zlxL0U/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MlsoFGXgvWg/Vib8cOjVkoI/AAAAAAAAJ2o/-OWm8zlxL0U/s400/IMG_2497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/cireeves/dinosaur-birthday-party/" target="_blank">Click here to see my Dinosaur Birthday Party Pinterest board!</a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-88398656258307499592015-10-20T12:17:00.001-05:002015-10-20T12:17:02.803-05:00Dinosaur Crayons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57M5_XAJNss/VhKAST0alWI/AAAAAAAAJyI/JYS33aR-F9Y/s1600/IMG_2171_pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57M5_XAJNss/VhKAST0alWI/AAAAAAAAJyI/JYS33aR-F9Y/s400/IMG_2171_pm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My littlest one, Clara, has requested a Dinosaur-themed 3rd birthday party. Probably not a typical theme for a three year old girl's birthday, but Clara is anything but typical. I love that about her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been looking around for dino party ideas and I found some dinosaur coloring books at Dollar Tree. My girls love to color. Especially with fun crayons!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I found an oven-safe <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dinosaur+mold" target="_blank">dinosaur mold</a> on Amazon and I've been saving the girls' old crayons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I used a sharp knife to cut the wrapper off the crayon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I cut the crayons into small pieces and grouped them by color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I filled the mold with crayons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then I placed the mold on a cookie sheet and put it in the oven, heated to 275 degrees for 5-10 minutes. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The time it takes to melt the crayons may vary based on the brand of crayon you use. Once the crayons are melted, take them out to solidify.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6KAWFHMdS40/VhKIAkVtl5I/AAAAAAAAJzA/c7M1-OTVNXU/s1600/IMG_2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6KAWFHMdS40/VhKIAkVtl5I/AAAAAAAAJzA/c7M1-OTVNXU/s400/IMG_2019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once all the crayons have melted, I popped mine in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to solidify. Then you can turn the dino mold inside out to get the crayon out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So darn cute!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-19950847146577957972015-10-14T08:56:00.003-05:002015-10-14T08:56:41.665-05:00THREEnager<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She is a force.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loves her family {{{especially her mama}}}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loves ALL non-girly things and some girly things too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loves dinosaurs, trains, construction trucks, Transformers, action figures, the sandbox at school (...), playing hide-and-seek, BounceU, ponies, Halloween and tutus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Has more enthusiasm for school than any kid I know.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Asks to do her "homework" and eat yogurt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cries LOUDLY when she's been "wronged".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stands up for herself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gives the best hugs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Her face is my face as a kid. So weird to see my kid-face when I look at her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Has the cutest, squeakiest little voice and a face with so much expression. Knows how to work the eye brows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She will tell anyone and everyone, "We don't say 'Damn it'. That's a bad word. We say 'Oh darn!'."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, so, so silly. Puts a smile on my face every day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Takes at least 10 toys to bed with her, even though big sisters are still not aloud to have toys in their rooms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Says "I sorry mama, but I still love you" when she's gotten in trouble. And just like that she's not in trouble anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Asks me to go lay in my bed so we can snuggle after big sisters go to school. Can't say no to that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Calls her feet her "fuddies". My favorite word.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Loves to be tickled. Says "Tickle me mama!" Then says, "Okay mama that's ENOUGH!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loves to be carried, especially piggy-back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Swings HIGH on the big kid swings. Holds on tight. Smokes the drop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Asks me, "Mama, are you happy?" when I'm having a bad day. Always cheers me up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loves lollipops.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loves running errands with mama.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Knows all the stores that hand out lollipops to kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So excitable. Says, "Mom, c'mere! Check it out! This is so awesome!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Has the best hair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loves the color black.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dada is THE man in her life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loves her big sisters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nana's and Papa's are her fave.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loves her cousins, "Unca Cwis" and "Aunt Cwistina"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of her common phrases: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "Please I show you?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "Please you carry me?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "Whoopies!" which means oops!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "Deeeeeee-licious!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "That's alarious!" which means hilarious</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love her so much my heart hurts. How is she three already???</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy 3rd birthday Clara-beans ("No I Clara!")!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope it's filled with lots of non-melty chocolate :)</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-73661058601663620702015-10-05T09:34:00.000-05:002015-10-08T19:53:57.814-05:00Kindergarten Halloween Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMQSkF8k9M8/VghLY7oSRtI/AAAAAAAAJuU/sn57Sudk_7M/s1600/K%2BHalloween%2BParty%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMQSkF8k9M8/VghLY7oSRtI/AAAAAAAAJuU/sn57Sudk_7M/s400/K%2BHalloween%2BParty%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't wait for Sidney's Kindergarten Halloween Party! Here are the plan oklm, s I found on Pinterest. And <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/cireeves/k-1st-2nd-grade-halloween-party/" target="_blank">click here</a> to see more ideas and free Halloween printables on my Halloween Party Pinterest board.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The party was broken into 4 parts and lasted 1 hour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>PART 1 - SNACK</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The kids will assemble a Monster Mix that consists of:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Witches Warts (raisins)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Little Ghosts (mini marshmallows - Ghosts poop was vetoed by the teachers!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Skeleton Bones (pretzel sticks)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Earthworms (gummy worms)</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KD-VfoX8Ec4/VghO3v7NB4I/AAAAAAAAJuk/vTtDUGV8AkY/s1600/Boo%2BMix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KD-VfoX8Ec4/VghO3v7NB4I/AAAAAAAAJuk/vTtDUGV8AkY/s400/Boo%2BMix.jpg" width="381" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We will have Halloween baggies to fill with the Monster Mix.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While the kids are eating their snack they can make a Ghost Pop. <a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2013/10/ghost-lollipops.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see how to make Ghost Pops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>PART 2 - CRAFT</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The kids will assemble <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/halloween-party-favor-mummy-candy-cans" target="_blank">Tin Can Mummies</a> using empty soup cans, black construction paper, cheesecloth or salon coil cotton and googly eyes. They can store any prizes they win and their leftover Monster Mix here if they don't finish it.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>PART 3 - GAME #1</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Each kid will have a partner and race to see who can turn their partner into a Mummy the fastest using a toilet paper roll.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>PART 4 - GAME #2</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We made <a href="http://www.mommasfunworld.blogspot.com/2012/09/monster-dice-learning-and-fun-party-game.html" target="_blank">Halloween Dice</a> out of a cardboard box and orange wrapping paper. An activity is listed on each side of the die: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pumpkin kick, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Scarecrow skip, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Witch jump, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spider crawl, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cat walk, and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ghost hop. The kids will race against a classmate to see who can complete the activity the fastest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Hope you have a fun Halloween!</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-73891836923838631442015-09-28T19:30:00.003-05:002015-09-28T19:30:28.686-05:003 girls, 2 schools<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Could someone please explain to me how I am MORE busy now that my kids are in school??? I was really counting on having some free time. I'm still holding out hope!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">How cute are these little ladies! Even though we're so busy, I'm sure I'm going to miss these days...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hope your school year is off to a good start!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-68629114899664874342015-09-22T21:10:00.000-05:002015-09-22T21:10:35.376-05:00Banana Bread 4 Ways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tqxrbJldAU/VbWRlj13pDI/AAAAAAAAJmM/yKvC3AWN6YE/s1600/IMG_1118_pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tqxrbJldAU/VbWRlj13pDI/AAAAAAAAJmM/yKvC3AWN6YE/s400/IMG_1118_pm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whenever I have overripe bananas on my counter I feel the need to bake banana bread. I found so many banana bread ideas that I loved that I couldn't pick just one. So I made all four. Win win.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OUNAcL6h98/VbWRvcN86WI/AAAAAAAAJmU/JnIQ36Nxh60/s1600/IMG_1120_pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7OUNAcL6h98/VbWRvcN86WI/AAAAAAAAJmU/JnIQ36Nxh60/s400/IMG_1120_pm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also found a healthier banana bread recipe on <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/03/17/skinny-banana-blueberry-muffins/" target="_blank">Sally's Baking Addiction</a>. I loved that I had all the ingredients on hand - no trip to the grocery store required!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2.5 cups white whole wheat flour (all-purpose will work too)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup light brown sugar, loosely packed (or dark brown sugar)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup mashed very ripe banana (about 2 large very ripe bananas)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt (or any yogurt)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 large egg, beaten</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3/4 cup milk (almond milk, soymilk, cow's milk, rice milk)</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8cDfIJkySoU/VbU-5LcjaXI/AAAAAAAAJlE/VC7IrwTkCT8/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8cDfIJkySoU/VbU-5LcjaXI/AAAAAAAAJlE/VC7IrwTkCT8/s400/IMG_1107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Mix-Ins:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fresh or unthawed frozen blueberries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chocolate Chips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chopped nuts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Raisins</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Instructions:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Preheat oven to 325F degrees. Spray mini loaf tin with nonstick spray.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In a large bowl, gently toss the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together until combined. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In a separate bowl, mix the honey and brown sugar together - it will be thick and lumpy. Try to get out as many lumps as you can - a fork works well to break it up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Add the mashed banana, yogurt, and beaten egg. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently begin to fold it all together. It will be very thick. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. A</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">dd the milk slowly and continue to gently mix the ingredients together. The milk will thin everything out, but the batter will still remain thick. Don't over-mix the batter, which will lend to tough, dry bread.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. At this point, I divided out the batter into 4 bowls using a 1 cup measuring cup. Each bowl had about 1 1/3 cups of batter.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UqNIvr_gAYI/VbU_YOe_wyI/AAAAAAAAJlU/-lriCPR62Sw/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UqNIvr_gAYI/VbU_YOe_wyI/AAAAAAAAJlU/-lriCPR62Sw/s400/IMG_1108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gently fold in your mix-ins, being careful not to over-mix the batter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. Pour the batter into the mini loaf tin. I topped the batter with the mix-ins so that I could tell each loaf apart (and to make it look pretty!).</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljDCJtP1st8/VbU_kNwODRI/AAAAAAAAJlk/RIIykHBfqvQ/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljDCJtP1st8/VbU_kNwODRI/AAAAAAAAJlk/RIIykHBfqvQ/s400/IMG_1111.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bake for 25-30 minutes OR until very lightly browned on the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Allow to cool completely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can't go wrong with chocolate chips and you don't need a lot to notice the taste. Ava calls it her "treat breakfast"!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q_WpfD11n4/VbU_-ofYFhI/AAAAAAAAJl0/vwDhaf2918M/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q_WpfD11n4/VbU_-ofYFhI/AAAAAAAAJl0/vwDhaf2918M/s400/IMG_1124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was surprised at how much I liked the blueberry banana bread, considering I don't like blueberries. I think I may have liked it more than the chocolate chip bread, which totally goes against my policy of not mixing fruit with treats!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo0Jg3_Y6SQ/VbVACyIqilI/AAAAAAAAJl8/VHzZ6RbL3NY/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo0Jg3_Y6SQ/VbVACyIqilI/AAAAAAAAJl8/VHzZ6RbL3NY/s400/IMG_1128.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I gave the other two loaves away so I don't have pictures of their insides, but I got good feedback so I think they were a hit too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Notes:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tastes best the next day, like most banana bread recipes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bread will remain fresh when wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 5 days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bread will freeze well, up to 3 months.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-54237300139991312942015-09-11T13:08:00.002-05:002015-09-11T13:08:20.076-05:00Family Thumbprint Tree - 50th Anniversary Gifts<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past summer. It's so hard to buy gifts for parents, right? I searched all over Etsy for the perfect gift. In the end, I ended up getting them several gifts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I made them a Family Thumbprint Tree. I found this free PDF file online (<a href="http://onefabday.com/diy-project-free-fingerprint-tree-template/" target="_blank">click here</a>). Then I edited it by adding a new heart on the tree trunk with "R+C" inside the heart. I also added their anniversary date to the bottom of the image. I was able to get all of our family members' thumbprints, including my mom and dad's, and then I found a cute frame on sale at Michael's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My parents renewed their wedding vows so my brothers and I surprised them with this 50th anniversary </span><a href="http://www.thingsremembered.com/product///50th-Anniversary-Candle-Set/pc/2114/c/2739/sc/5401/165947.uts?CAWELAID=120209070000003510&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=120209070000028352&cadevice=c&gclid=Cj0KEQjwl6GuBRD8x4G646HX7ZYBEiQADGnzuveQsowHC7jgqcqEM777dqgpw6mWJyOWTEjgj-4o_3oaAq088P8HAQ" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Unity Candle Set from Things Remembered</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I took pictures during the ceremony and the dinner afterward and made them a Shutterfly photo book. I scanned photos from their actual wedding for the book also. This was my favorite gift :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have one last gift for them that I'm saving for Christmas. I don't think my parents even realize that I have a blog so the odds of them seeing this is slim to none. But just in case, I'm going to wait to post it. It's too good to ruin!!!! Be sure to check back after Christmas! If you're looking for an anniversary gift and want to know about this mystery gift, leave me a comment with your email address and I'll send you the info. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy 50th Mom and Dad!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xoxoxoxo</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-35298849742489467762015-08-26T09:14:00.002-05:002015-08-26T09:14:15.897-05:00Dining Room Update - Part 2<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My dining room furniture is complete. I honestly don't think I could love our updated dining room set more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My friend, Emily, painted my <a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2014/12/dining-room-update.html" target="_blank">dining room table, chairs and china cabinet</a> about a year ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I recently acquired the matching server from my parents' set and immediately called Emily to ask her to paint it. Here is the before:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought the room needed some color so Emily painted some options on the back of the buffet:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We went with the color on the right, <a href="https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/water-based-milk-paints-glazes/milk-paints-furniture-paints#.VcoT1_lViko" target="_blank">General Finishes Persian Blue</a>. After applying two coats of paint, Emily distressed it and then applied a cocoa wash. She also stained the top of the buffet to match the stain on the top of the dining room table. We left the hardware as-is - I love keeping a bit of the original piece in tact. Here is the finished product!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My grandma passed away this summer and I inherited a beautiful mirror that we hung over the server.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you Emily!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-5723695304061888672015-08-23T11:14:00.001-05:002015-08-23T11:14:22.582-05:00thirty seven<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Having your birthday fall on the weekend is the BEST. Yo</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">u are given the green light to go ahead and celebrate all weekend long. So that's what we did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Friday, my actual birthday, my parents took Clara and I out to lunch. We had the most beautiful weather on Friday and got sit and eat outside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lunch was followed by a trip to the mall to ride the carousel and the train. This was more for Clara. I nearly threw up riding the teacup on the carousel with her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My sister-in-law came over with my niece and nephew after Clara and I picked up big sisters after school. Living in the same neighborhood with my brother and sister-in-law is such a blessing and having our kids growing up near each other is irreplaceable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tim came home from work with these beautiful flowers too :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday, I got to FaceTime my niece who just went away to college. She's the first grandchild to go away to college (and 1/2 of my dynamic babysit duo). We are all having a hard time letting her go. I can't even imagine how hard it will be when my own kids leave for college...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday afternoon, my mother-in-law and father-in-law came over to celebrate my birthday as well as my father-in-law's birthday. My in-laws live near Ted Drewes and always offer to bring over a truck load for special occasions. <a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2014/05/my-top-5-favorite-treats.html" target="_blank">My #1 favorite treat</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday night, Ava had her first ever sleepover! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All of the calls, texts, emails, FB messages from family and friends made me feel like the luckiest lady on earth. Aside from almost visiting the ER and my dishwasher breaking for the gazillionth time, I couldn't have asked for more.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Thirty seven is going to be a great year, I can feel it!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-31475945841954621742015-08-12T19:51:00.001-05:002015-08-12T19:51:16.340-05:00Meet the Teacher Gifts & the Leukemia Lymphoma Society<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmBH54kqzzE/VcvoRcRaVAI/AAAAAAAAJqM/H6aygaAoTos/s1600/IMG_1243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmBH54kqzzE/VcvoRcRaVAI/AAAAAAAAJqM/H6aygaAoTos/s400/IMG_1243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's Back to School time!! So much preparation goes into the start of school. Not just for us parents and our kids, but for teachers too. My oldest is starting 2nd grade and my middle one is starting kindergarten. The teachers at our school have been so good to us and have so much care and concern for my girls. They really try hard to make the kids feel important. They even give them little "welcome" gifts that the kids LOVE and each year I think to myself "I wish I had thought to give the teachers a little gift." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year I remembered! My cousin, Cindy, is the BEST baker I know. She could honestly open a bakery she's that good. She is also a fantastic IT Consultant and has her own IT staffing solutions company so she doesn't have time to open a bakery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cindy's claim to fame are these fabulous sugar cookies that she bakes and decorates. She takes orders from friends and family and friends of friends, etc. I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to order cookies from her and the time has come!! Here are the "Meet the Teacher" cookies that Cindy made (and packaged!) for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aside from these cookies being beautiful and delicious, Cindy does not ask for payment for her time and materials and talent. Did you hear that??? She does it for FREE. All she asks is that you make a donation to the <a href="https://www.lls.org/gateway" target="_blank">Leukemia & Lymphoma Society</a>. How amazing is that??!!??!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you're looking for gifts that "give back" you can Google "<a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=shop%20with%20a%20purpose" target="_blank">Shop with a Purpose</a>" for more ideas. I can't wait to give these cookies to the girls' teachers. And I need to get them out of my house soon or I'll eat them all myself!!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-7741479511525073562015-07-29T08:56:00.000-05:002015-07-29T08:56:23.177-05:00Perfect Summer Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I haven't posted any dinner recipes in months because I haven't been cooking lately. Our <a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2014/06/garden-stepping-stone.html" target="_blank">garden</a> has been producing a tasty variety of lettuce so we have mostly been eating salads for dinner. We never seem to get tired of mixed fruit and nut salads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here are the ingredients for our favorite summer salad:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Variety of lettuce (We grow spinach, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">arugula, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">butterhead, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">romaine, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">looseleaf, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">oak leaf, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">kale and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">swiss chard and use a little of each in our salad)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Fruits (We pick 2 fruits from strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pears and mangoes)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. 1/2 avocado</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Pistachios (costly but totally worth it)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Blue cheese (I know it sticks but you don't notice it when it's mixed up in a salad and it really does taste great)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Sweet Italian dressing (If you're from St. Louis, you can't go wrong with Zia's!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>TIP:</b> The key to making a great salad is dicing up all the ingredients, including the lettuce, so that you get a little bit of each ingredient on a bite :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a side, I also like to make a tomato salad using California Olive Ranch olive oil (it's the BEST!), fresh ground pepper and chopped basil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Homegrown tomatoes are honestly better than store-bought. I don't know why but they are. We had a little bit of success with our tomatoes this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also have a fierce addiction to Whole Foods Olive Bread - sliced, warmed and dipped in </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">California Olive Ranch olive oil. Mmmmmmm.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-60621344504021669592015-07-24T10:23:00.000-05:002015-07-24T10:32:12.724-05:00Dairy & Egg Free Banana Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTNfZA9LFV4/VbJYO6hrQZI/AAAAAAAAJks/5mAhQfHaHaA/s1600/IMG_0795_pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTNfZA9LFV4/VbJYO6hrQZI/AAAAAAAAJks/5mAhQfHaHaA/s400/IMG_0795_pm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been trying to find some healthier treats that I can put in Sidney's lunches when she starts Kindergarten in the fall. In addition to having dairy, egg and nut allergies, she also has texture issues with foods. Unfortunately, she did not like these muffins...so Ava and I ate them all. They were DELICIOUS! I really can't believe she didn't like them. I can only figure that it was the texture - she's kind of a hard, crunchy kind of girl. Anyway, if your kids don't have any aversions to soft, delicious muffins, they will love these!</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ingredients:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.5 cups white whole wheat flour (you can use all-purpose flour too)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.5 tsp baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 tsp baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 tsp ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/8 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce (or you can use 1 egg)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup mashed bananas (3 medium...although I've often used just 2 large bananas)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3/4 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup vegetable oil</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Instructions:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a mini muffin pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make well in center. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. In another bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Add wet mixture to dry mixture. Stir just til moistened. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Spoon into muffin tin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Bake 15 minutes or until wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Step 2:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Step 5:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cool and Eat!</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-71766119718786164852015-07-22T22:11:00.002-05:002015-07-22T22:45:41.363-05:00Surgery {x 2}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My two littlest had surgery on Monday. I had so much anxiety in the months leading up to this day. I hated that it had to happen and I hated that I had to keep it a secret from the girls. But the biggest source of my anxiety was the anesthesia. The thought of putting my girls under general anesthesia scares me for a couple of reasons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First, my oldest, Ava, had to go under general anesthesia to have glitter removed from her cornea (long story: <a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2012/11/ps-i-hate-glitter.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> & <a href="http://cathyandkiddos.blogspot.com/2012/11/perspective.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>) and had a horrible reaction coming out of anesthesia. I didn't know how Sidney and Clara would react to it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Second, this past June an <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/294966.php" target="_blank">article</a> was published by researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital that claims: "Surgical anesthesia given to children under the age of 4 years may be associated with reduced gray matter density in certain brain regions, leading to lower IQ and poorer language development." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well crap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband and I talked with several doctors including our pediatrician, another pediatrician, the ENT performing the surgery and an anesthesiologist to try to weigh the pros and cons. Obviously, you know what we decided. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We may never know if the anesthesia has had an affect on their brains, but the good news is the surgery was successful, the girls did not have as bad a reaction coming out of anesthesia as Ava experienced and both girls are pretty much back to normal already.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My heart goes out to those parents whose children have to go through serious surgeries. And multiple surgeries. I don't know how they do it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm so blessed to have my girls back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-22201091898307979452015-07-16T11:26:00.001-05:002015-07-16T11:26:32.480-05:00Skinny (Vegan and Gluten-Free too!) Banana Oatmeal Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UOc5DWCsQ8/VZ7DW3Wzn2I/AAAAAAAAJg4/zWD5e98RvQc/s1600/IMG_0699_pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UOc5DWCsQ8/VZ7DW3Wzn2I/AAAAAAAAJg4/zWD5e98RvQc/s400/IMG_0699_pm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My grandma, who was my last living grandparent, passed away 25 days shy of her 95th birthday in June. For as long as I can remember, my grandma always had a cookie jar filled with cookies. As a kid (and an adult!), I was excited to see what I'd find in the jar when we went to Grandma's house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I feel very fortunate that I got to keep her cookie jar. It reminds me of her every time I look at it. And I've had many experiences since her passing that lets me know that she's still looking out for us. So in honor of my wonderful, weight-conscious, cookie-loving grandma, I baked some skinny cookies for my "new" cookie jar!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nj-_U7ZGJek/VZ7BunqL5CI/AAAAAAAAJgU/vJVW1UHUfHA/s1600/IMG_0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nj-_U7ZGJek/VZ7BunqL5CI/AAAAAAAAJgU/vJVW1UHUfHA/s400/IMG_0693.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ingredients:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 medium ripe bananas, mashed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup of gluten-free uncooked quick oats</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (or add-in of your choice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dash of cinnamon (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Instructions:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Preheat oven to 350°F. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Combine the mashed bananas and oats in a small bowl.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Fold in the chocolate chips (or other add-in)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Add cinnamon (optional)</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Kk_LgoI1ew/VZ7CMvxb8dI/AAAAAAAAJgc/1uYKhy0paBM/s1600/IMG_0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Kk_LgoI1ew/VZ7CMvxb8dI/AAAAAAAAJgc/1uYKhy0paBM/s400/IMG_0695.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Scoop with a spoon and drop a small ball of dough onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. Bake 13-15 minutes until slightly golden on top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Makes ~12 cookies</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love and miss you GG!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">GG with Clara on her 1st birthday</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">GG with Ava</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">GG with Sidney</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-18914860792086443862015-07-13T16:17:00.000-05:002015-07-13T16:17:26.422-05:00Back to School Shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIMJkyd3JQA/VaQqbLk2aaI/AAAAAAAAJjE/HC5dEIQPmIg/s1600/Cheat%2BSheet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIMJkyd3JQA/VaQqbLk2aaI/AAAAAAAAJjE/HC5dEIQPmIg/s640/Cheat%2BSheet.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have 5 weeks of summer left. There are days when I can't wait for school to start back up, but thankfully there are more days when I find myself wishing time would slow down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back to school shopping is the perfect activity to transition the girls and myself out of summer-mode. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am an unapologetic organizer and I look forward to this ritual.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just happened upon this nifty little <a href="http://passionatepennypincher.com/2015/07/free-back-to-school-walmart-target-stock-up-price-cheat-sheet/#" target="_blank">Target & Walmart Cheat Sheet</a> for back to school shopping. Thank you Passionate Penny Pincher! It's totally going to enhance my back to school shopping organization! <a href="http://passionatepennypincher.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/btscheatsheet2015.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> for your free printable cheat sheet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have fun shopping!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8493207808807800913.post-46885363425631129172015-07-08T08:22:00.001-05:002015-07-08T08:22:24.322-05:00DIY Puppet Theater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been pretty raining in our parts lately. We have spent a lot of time indoors this summer. One day, Sidney was bored and came up with the idea of making puppets. After multiple days spent inside, I was willing to let them do whatever they wanted!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've seen people make a lot of cute things from cardboard boxes so I figured we could probably make a puppet theater from one. It's certainly not a cute, Pinterest-y theater, but the kids girls couldn't have cared less and it kept them busy for most of the rainy afternoon!</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's what you'll need for the theater:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- cardboard box</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- box cutter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- paint & paint brushes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- glue gun (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Here's what you'll need for the puppets:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- popsicle sticks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- paper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- markers / crayons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- glue or tape</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To make the theater and puppets:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Find a square cardboard box and cut it open so it lays flat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Using a box cutter, cut openings in the two center sides of the box. Do not cut on the bottom flap - this will be used to stabilize the box when it's upright. I cut our openings close to the bottom in case we want to hang curtains at some point. If you cut you openings higher up, however, it will provide more privacy for the kids to hide behind when performing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Using the cardboard that was cut out from the openings, cut thin strips to hot glue to the back of the cardboard for support for the top of the theater.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Now the fun begins....start painting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. While you wait for the paint to dry, you can make your puppets. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The girls colored pictures on paper of characters. Then they cut them out and we glued them to popsicle sticks. Later, we had to tape a few back together so I'd suggest tape over glue. And of course, they prefer the colored popsicle sticks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now you're ready to put on a show!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0