A fun morning with dear grandchildren

With December upon us once again, it was time to plan our annual Christmas shopping trip with three of our local grandchildren.  I think we've been doing this for around five years.

We take them out for a meal (usually breakfast), then go shopping so they can buy gifts for their parents and one another.  The grand finale is a trip to a favorite shop for the ice cream buffet.

We had decided while we were together on Thanksgiving that December 1 would be The Day.  It turned out to be perfect weather -- mostly sunny, with mild temperatures.

I will share more photos of the gift shop tomorrow.  It's a pretty amazing place and well worth the visit if you are ever in the lakes region of New Hampshire.

Breakfast was at a favorite McDonald's, as usual.  This year we gave them the option of a diner or cafe instead, but the general consensus was that we would not tamper with tradition.

This McDonald's has a definite North Woods theme.  Look at the chairs with the moose cutouts on the back!

Not the best photo of the fireplace, but you see my Peppermint Mocha!

A better (though older) photo of the fireplace and eating area ... what a difference three years makes!

Yes, there are snowshoes on the wall in this McDonald's!

After a successful and marathon shopping trip to Ocean State Job Lot (funded by us with Crazy Deal gift cards acquired throughout the year), we headed to Kellerhaus for our ice cream and browsing.  Although we seldom buy much, we all enjoy seeing the beautiful, unique things on display, and the kids usually get a bit of candy to take home.

The ice cream buffet features homemade ice cream and all the toppings you can think of.  Kinda pricey, but it's an experience as much as a snack.

The one disappointment was that the player piano (at far right) was not working.

Check out that view, above!  The White Mountains in the distance, and even a bit of Lake Winnipesaukee is visible.

Following our ice cream, we head home, where the kids sneak their gift purchases into their rooms to be wrapped later and placed under the tree.  As we left Kellerhaus on Saturday, we all agreed -- this is a tradition worth doing again next year!