We have several December traditions, and I kind of feel like I post about the same things over and over every December. I love having traditions though, and I want to preserve the memories! So sorry kids, you get to read about the same activities year after year :-).
I've always loved to go look at Christmas lights, so we try to set aside a few evenings each December to do just that. Like so many things, there were a few years that it wasn't easy to do anything, especially if it involved riding in the car too much. From that aspect, life is much easier now so we are able to do a little bit more. This year, we've had two big outings so far to look at lights so I'll talk about both of those in this post. First, though, I want to show a photo of my favorite house all decorated for Christmas!
Our first outing to look at lights was a couple of weeks ago. I had been hearing really good things about a place about an hour from our home that Chris and I had actually been to about 15 (or more) years ago. I remembered it being really neat then, but I had heard several times recently that it was worth the trip. I talked to Chris about going, and we decided that we needed to go that night (which was a Thursday) because we didn't want to go on a weekend (due to traffic) and we didn't think we had another free weekday to make a longish trip.
Although I doubted our sanity a bit, I'm so glad that we made the trip! It did not disappoint!
Honor Heights Park
We were able to park and walk around, which was so much better than just driving through. The weather was comfortable and the kids were in awe of the lights!
Brooke, Brenson, Brianna, and Brecklyn
Family selfie :-)
I loved this American flag!
Brecklyn, Brooke
Brianna and Daddy
Momma and Brenson
Walking through the lighted archway was really fun!
Brianna and Brecklyn
Momma and the crew
We were even able to take a pathway to a gazebo that overlooks a lake. It was very peaceful and beautiful!
Daddy and the crew
Another family selfie!
By the time we had driven around then walked around for an hour or so, the kids were ready for a little break. We were able to go into a building, get hot chocolate, use the bathroom, and write letters to Santa. So cute!
Bren and his letter
Bri and her letter
Brecklyn and Brooke and their letters
There was even a place to mail the letters which was so fun. This was new for us, as we've never really written letters to Santa before.
Brooke
Brecklyn
It ended up being a late night, especially for a school night, but I think everyone was thankful we were able to go. I hope to make the trip again in the future!
This past weekend was our second big Christmas light excursion. We were able to go to the Botanical Garden of Lights with our friends like we did last year, and it's quickly becoming a favorite tradition of ours!
We started the night with a yummy dinner at Ross and Tia's house. We had a nice group for dinner, although not everyone was able to go to the Garden of Lights afterward.
The Hubs and me 💓
The gals
The men
The children
And more children :-)
The sister and me
The family 💕
Chloe, Brianna, Brenson, Brooke, and Brecklyn
Dad and Mom
Lisa, Chelley, and Tia
Not long after we arrived, we ran into this beautiful European Santa. I love this photo of the kids with him!
Sadie, Brecklyn, Brenson, Santa, Brianna, Brooke, and Chloe
Lisa and I had met a Santa who looked very similar to this about 19 years ago in Ukraine. Seeing him brought back so many memories!
Raelyn, Chloe, Brenson, Sadie, Chris, Brianna, Brooke, Brecklyn, Dad, and Mom
In addition to walking around and seeing all the beautiful lights, the kids were able to take a ride on a little train while the adults drank hot cocoa and visited around a bonfire. There was just so much about this evening to love.
Brooke and Sadie
Chelley and Chris
Brianna and Chloe
Brecklyn and Brooke
My lovely family 😍
It was probably 10:00pm by the time we started making our way to our van to head home. Even then, we didn't want to the evening to end! I'm already looking forward to going back next year. The kids actually all ended up falling asleep on the way home, but that's just a sign of a really good evening if you ask me!
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