On Saturday the hubs and I took our girls to the Christmas Village at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington, MN. We love its much that we'll be making it a tradition every Christmas. It's such a fun way to get us all in the holiday spirit.
The village is a collaboration of buildings from the early 1900's that were used in Dakota County.
Each building was decorated for Christmas and volunteers were inside dressed and acting the parts of the barber, teachers, librarian..ect.
Alexa's favorite was the jail.
The Sheriff locked her up.
Adam took so long to take this picture that I thought the barber was actually going to end up cutting my hair. 
Horse drawn trolley rides led us around the village.This was a huge highlight for the girls. They loved seeing the pretty horses.
Outside the barber shop.
This was an old house in the village. Inside a family was cooking a late breakfast of pancakes, bacon and eggs.
We watched the Blacksmith shape and form metal at the Blacksmith Shop!
This is an old printing machine that was on display in the print shop where the newspaper was printed.
Alexa is writing her letter, asking Santa for an American Girl doll and some squishy squishy squashies.
Lillian is waiting patiently for Alexa can finish so they can mail their letters.
We watched the Blacksmith shape and form metal at the Blacksmith Shop!
This is an old printing machine that was on display in the print shop where the newspaper was printed.
Alexa, Lillian and I outside the print shop.
Inside we made Christmas ornaments out of pinecones.
Adam and the girls outside the general store. 2 young girls showed us around inside.
Alexa and Lillian were in awe when we told them that their little general store was equivalent to our Target. Alexa said, "but, it's so small". Clothing, toys and food were displayed on the same shelves.
My 3 favorite people!!
Mrs. Claus was in the post office, helping children write their letters to Santa.
Alexa is writing her letter, asking Santa for an American Girl doll and some squishy squishy squashies.
Lillian is waiting patiently for Alexa can finish so they can mail their letters.Lillian asked for a barbie doll.
Santa Claus
The girls and I outside the Library.
Inside the village hall, Santa was visiting with the kids - asking if they've been bad or good this year. Lillian was really shy, but was determined to make it known that she has been GOOD.
Santa Claus
Alexa posed for a picture with Santa, but Lillian hid in Mommy's arms.
Old fashioned candy was being sold in the gift shop.
We bought the girls some candy sticks.
The girls and I outside the Library.
Inside the library we made craft ornaments..
and Alexa strung popcorn.
The millinery is where the townspeople came to get their clothing made or altered.
We took a break at the drug store for a little lunch.
Adam stealing a kiss from his little girl.
The Mr. and Mrs.
The church!
The nativity display outside the church.
Inside the church we sang Christmas carols.
The schoolhouse.
The girls and I making snowflakes in the school.
The Lares' enjoying a funfilled day together.
and Alexa strung popcorn.
The millinery is where the townspeople came to get their clothing made or altered.
We took a break at the drug store for a little lunch.
Entertainment during our lunch break.
Lillian loved clapping after each song.
Adam stealing a kiss from his little girl.
The Mr. and Mrs.
The church!
The nativity display outside the church.
Inside the church we sang Christmas carols.
The schoolhouse.
The girls and I making snowflakes in the school.
The Trian Depot
The Lares' enjoying a funfilled day together.
