So first off, this post is in part for Sophia, and any of the kids out there that would otherwise enjoy seeing Santa's House.
I know it's been a while since we've been here in Fairbanks without any activity on the blog, so I'll add a quick paragraph with any highlights. We've been settling in. Money is tight so we haven't done a lot. Blockbuster is popular. Yes, it's cold. We like Fred Meyer too. The dogs are doing ok, but the collie needs more exercise and that has been a challenge. Dog booties don't stay on our dogs. There is no roller hockey in Alaska. Temporary housing is manageable for now. We have stuff off the moving truck and into storage. It's not much more accessible. A few winter clothes options are mandatory. We're slowly finding out what works and what doesn't. -30 isn't a myth. Yes, it's cold... but it's really not cold yet.
So we're trying to get prepared for Christmas. I imagine it would be easier if we were settled in permanent housing, but I really don't know that that would be the case. We drove to the North Pole today... What is Christmas without Santa Claus. We got a few good pictures to share.
It was nice weather going out, but with the snow last night my truck was covered this morning and I found layers of ice buildup on the windshields and lights which was tough to remove. Typically it's so dry and cold, even when it snows it doesn't form ice on the windshields, and you can brush the snow off with a glove. I actually believe the ice was only because we drove last night during the snowstorm and the heat from the car allowed the snow to melt and refreeze into sheets of ice. Note to self, try to avoid this scenario.
When looking for Santa's House... look for the big Santa.
Welcome to Santa's House, North Pole, Alaska.
We really enjoyed the ice sculpture, and are really looking forward to ice sculpture festivities we've heard about local to Fairbanks.
The Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), also known as the caribou when wild in North America, is an Arctic and Subarctic-dwelling deer, widespread and numerous across the northern Holarctic. Enough said.
I've been told they taste better than moose. Since this is in part for the kids, however, I have to point out that these Reindeer are obviously special Reindeer - Santa's Reindeer. I have no idea which ones I took pictures of since they didn't wear nametags. I can state without a doubt that I never did identify Rudolph.
And yes, Santa's House, North Pole, Alaska. This is going to be as close as you can get to the real thing.
Suffice it to say that any North Pole and Santa trinket your mind could fathom lies within the walls of this fantasy land for kids. They also have a coffee bar, closed today, which disappointed us terribly.
And... Pay Dirt. When you show up before Christmas, you get to see the old Saint himself. And yes, since this is home, Mrs Claus can be found as well.
We were looking for backstage passes and an after party, but...
Drat, spoiled again!
K. Chadwick
