On our way to Lapland

**Ripeberry** · 01-12-2012, 04:37 AM

Must be mad. Up at 3am. Freezing fog. Daytrip to see Santa and a plane load of hyper kids. But it will be an adventure. Even for the 'big kids' ;-)

**Daisy De** · 01-12-2012, 07:10 AM

Have a great time, say hi to Santa for me, I have been good all year

**AgentTink** · 01-12-2012, 08:03 AM

How exciting.. I have always wanted to go. Have fun

**Toothfairy** · 01-12-2012, 08:17 AM

Wow, how fantastic!
Have a great time.

**loocyloo** · 01-12-2012, 08:19 AM

how fantastic.

something i've always wanted to do, have an amazing time & tell us all about it when you get back

xxx

**Muffin** · 01-12-2012, 10:42 AM

We went several years ago, it was a tiring but brilliant day. Hope you all have a great time

**Pixie dust** · 01-12-2012, 11:08 AM

Have a great time, I would love to do that must start saving the pennies.

**cathtee** · 01-12-2012, 04:03 PM

How exciting, my dd and ds are grown up and no grandchildren yet so will have to wait to go I would love it.

Please tell us all about it when you get back

24 sleep till christmas

**Ripeberry** · 02-12-2012, 12:02 AM

Just popping in to say we're all back safe and sound and even if its -1c outside in the UK, it feels very warm compared to Lapland! It was -21c when we arrived at 12.30pm local time (10.30am UK time). The sun went down just after 2pm (their time). Lots of activities to do. The snowsuits were comfortable and warm, but its best to bring your own hat and scarf. They provide socks and gloves as well.
We went on a husky dog ride, a reindeer ride, a long(ish) skiddoo ride to find Santa's cottage. We then had a nice lunch at 4pm but it was really on 2pm UK time.
Spent a lot of the time in the Ice hotel, looking in each of the amazing rooms and the girls found the 'staircase slide' and had lots of fun on there.
In total we only had 4hrs in the village itself and the cold is bearable but my camera properly froze a couple of times due to the cold, even though I had it in my snow suit. The boots they provide are brilliant and have a good grip even though everywhere is just solid ice!
Bedtime now. I'm very tired and even hubby and the girls have gone to bed before me!

**miffy** · 02-12-2012, 08:20 AM

Sounds magical but very cold!

Miffy xx

**sarah707** · 02-12-2012, 08:30 AM

Wow that sounds like a wonderful adventure!

**Ripeberry** · 02-12-2012, 12:18 PM

I've just put some photos up on my Facebook

**charleyfarley** · 02-12-2012, 12:41 PM

Wow it sounds fab

How expensive was it, if you don't mind me asking? Off to find the photos

Carol xx

**Ripeberry** · 02-12-2012, 01:35 PM

We went with Thomson as they had the best reviews. We paid just over £1,500 for two adults and two children, but then we had been saving for about three years for it

It was well organised and we had breakfast on the plane on the way out, then dinner on the way in. They provided a hot lunch with hot berry juice/tea/coffee and as much hot chocolate as you wanted

I love the Lappish people's accents when they talk English. So cute
They were dressed in their national costume and others as Elves. They really go to town on it!

**Ripeberry** · 02-12-2012, 01:43 PM

Of course the kids got a present from Santa and the kids and adults got a 'Crossing the Artic Circle Certificate' The pilot in plane counted it down as we crossed over earlier that day. The most magical thing for me was the reindeer sledge ride as each reindeer was linked to each sledge and we had one inches away from us as we were pulled along. Wanted to take a picture but too dark and I didn't want to blind the poor creature with the flash.

**Angela234** · 02-12-2012, 07:55 PM

my son and family also went yesterday for the day they loved it but said they wil never complain about the cold here again, their youngest (6 ) (well second youngest baby stayed with me) found the cold too much at times Glad you had a great time the children will always remember it

**cathtee** · 02-12-2012, 09:14 PM

Wow it sound like you had a fantastic time, -21

bet it feels tropical here

glad you and the family enjoyed it santa will
be here soon

**Ripeberry** · 02-12-2012, 11:22 PM

Although it was cold it was 'dry' so not too bad. It's the damp of British winter cold that makes it worse over here, even if it doesn't get that cold.

**Angela234** · 03-12-2012, 11:49 AM

My daughter in law asked me to ask you if you got ant photos of santa and elfs or just santa hers haven't turned out shes gutted
If you have coud she have a copy?

Thanks
Angela