annual O.C. holiday journey (Sat, 12-6-8)

Kim & I have had a tradition for some time now of going to Orange County to see all the holiday decorations and shop for Christmas gifts. We now include Carson and have added some extra entertainment to make it fun for him too (but really, grammie had 'all' the fun!!!).
our first stop was at the Discovery Science Museum, where they were having the 'science of gingerbread' and Carson was able to help decorate his own gingerbread boy & girl. We enjoyed looking at all the gingerbread houses, these are just a few of many. A very talented chef showed how the houses are put together and demo one of his own.

we took Carson to some of the other parts of the museum, which he loved - 'especially the submarine and slide.'

off to South Coast Plaza and lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. This is the same place that I used to take Gary when he was little. Just like his uncle, Carson loved the fish aquariums and all the robotic animals.

then to Pottery Barn Kids, where Carson showed us how he could play the drums ~

and then over to the 'reindeer' merry-go-round, where Carson enjoyed 'several rides.

off to Fashion Island, where we admired the very tall Christmas tree, lots of decorations, and another merry-go-round (& a couple more rides...).

our 'long' day was filled with fun & laughter and lots of ideas to write down on Santa's list.

"it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"