Prelude to Christmas

The BCC Christmas party is always a fun way to transition from Thanksgiving into the Christmas season (even if stores thought Christmas began months ago). While waiting for Will and me to return from Old St. Pat's, Ellie made a beeline to have her face painted for the first time. She took it very seriously.
Gorgeous and glittery. And at the rate we're going, if you see us in the next several weeks, you may still see its remnants.
A big draw at the party was the BCC express rail road, conveniently located next to the bar. A bit of a stomach bug the night before didn't stop Ellie from riding in circles. Blaaaah.
Elle the engineer.
After Will and I arrived, he went for a quick spin around the track. He looked HUGE—I fear this may be his final year on the kiddie train.
The guests of honor were The Clauses. The kids were in awe. Ellie was especially surprised that Santa knew about her aversion to wearing a coat (thanks, Grandpa!). Something tells me she'll comply... at least until Christmas.
I don't think Mrs. Claus had enough paper to accommodate everything on Will's list (all LEGOs), so she took it along. Nothing like personal delivery!
Table to table service: the best way to meet and greet the Jolly Old Elf.
Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. C. (and Grandma and Grandpa), for the intimate Christmas kickoff!