Today we went to one in Palmer, AK (population 5,937) for their annual Christmas Festival. It was a balmy 14 degrees, perfect weather for an outdoor event.

There were games, treats, and sleigh rides.

The best part was the snowshoe relay with these fierce competitors.

They ran…

They hula hooped…

And they fell…

A lot…

After the battle we trekked over to the nursing home. Yes, the nursing home. Isn’t that where everyone keeps the gingerbread houses?

Jackson doesn’t like the smell of moth balls.

We went in search of reindeer and ice sculptures. But first stopped in at a cookie contest.

Taryn needed to warm up…

Meanwhile the boys played outside…

And made snow angels…

That’s as close to being an angel as he ever gets!

Palmer is within spitting distance of Wasilla, home of one of Alaska’s most famous residents. That fact made me love this bumper sticker even more.

Awesomesauce.