Preschooler SSG did such a good job of keeping his photo outfit spotless.  He’s sitting on my backpack in the shade as we waited for our bus yesterday.

With the pressure off me this year in terms of not needing to be in the photo, I dressed for comfort.  Those Bettina Liano shorts from Costco were a very good buy indeed.

This is for those of you unfamiliar with how Santa photos at the QVB work.  Bookings and prepayment start online a good month beforehand and this really does help keep the line from getting as feral as it does at Westfield and the other shopping centres.

Santa’s gazebo is a thing of old world beauty with its wrought iron framework and dome of richly coloured flowers.  There are several fairies on hand who are dressed to theme and spend a few minutes with each child in the line chatting and setting them at ease for the photos.

Bubbles are always a hit and a pleasant distraction from the boredom of having to wait in line.

The actual photo session is fast and friendly.  Children have a little chat with Santa and offer them any letters they may have written, photos are taken, Santa says goodbye with a hug and words of Santa-ly wisdom and then you are done.

One last shot of the tree….

Coming a close second in the highlights of the day stakes for the boys was the chance to take in Hobby Co’s model train window.  The scenery for the model railway has even had a bit of a festive make over with snow kissed trees and glittering lights added here and there.

Some enterprising parent ‘borrowed’ a few chairs from a nearby cafe for the children to sit on as they watched the trains go around and around and around…..  The boys were bolted to those chairs for a good half hour and we had to prise them off their seats to go home.

Luckily I had a decent bribe in the form of a treat from Doughnut Time.  A voucher for a free doughnut was included in our photo package.

I’ve never tried Doughnut Time before and it soon became clear that I was missing out.  While the doughnuts don’t look as arty as other bakeries, they do look fun and their flavour combinations are right up my alley.  I am so going back for a Milo Cyrus being a big fan of both Miley and Milo.

Our gift boxed doughnut managed to make it safely to the train station without once being opened or having any of its decorations being picked off by either Preschooler SSG or myself.

I give these doughnuts a solid 11/10.  The doughnuts themselves are fresh, fluffy and not sweet.

While the frosting is just sweet enough with a rich consistency.

There really wasn’t much of our doughnut left to take on the train when it arrived but the box was too cute to throw away so soon.

Have you experienced the wonder of Doughnut Time?  What’s your favourite flavour?